![COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis](https://cdn.magzter.com/1415665605/1717028777/articles/0_gtber8D1717157264935/COMMUNITY-COOPERATION-IN-THE-COSTOFLIVING-CRISIS.jpg)
Countries around the world, including Australia and New Zealand, are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis that has been running for the past two to three years. High inflation, which is considered to be the primary cause, initially arose from a large boost in spending as the world emerged from COVID lockdowns. Supply-chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine are two additional factors.
Prices have been running ahead of wages, and homeowners with mortgages have received a double whammy, with their budgets also squeezed by interest rate rises designed to dampen the economy in the short term. Since most COVID measures were lifted a few years ago, Australia has seen its cash rate increase from 0.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent, and New Zealand's has risen further, from 0.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent. However, in both countries, inflation is now on the downturn.
For households whose finances are squeezed, an obvious step is to seek extra sources of income. Also common is minimising discretionary spending and, in some cases, cutting back on what would be considered essentials. Food insecurity - the lack of access to nutritious food - is becoming more prevalent in both Australia and New Zealand.
Individualism versus community
The United States is probably the world's primary exponent of individualism, a quality that the country has embraced since the early 19th century. It is frequently treated as a virtue or an ideal to aspire to and is tied to the popular concept of the "American dream". Since the start of the 1980s, American individualism has received a boost from neoliberalism, which seeks to benefit private enterprise, arguably at the expense of other aspects of society.
This story is from the Issue 210 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 210 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![SKY WALKING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/BsXWH2Zs21717159633604/SKY-WALKING.jpg)
SKY WALKING
Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.
![Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/1DSKJ2TIs1717159340878/UNLEASH-YOUR-SENSE-OF-ADVENTURE-IN-SHOALHAVEN.jpg)
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.
![Plyometric tennis flow](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/bbkzD3K1H1717159136921/PLYOMETRIC-TENNIS-FLOW.jpg)
Plyometric tennis flow
Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving
![YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/7xdqB9J_D1717158736373/YOGA-TO-CONQUER-THE-FEAR-OF-DEATH.jpg)
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.
![LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/g3olytIjo1717158449897/LOOKING-BACK-MOVING-FORWARD.jpg)
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.
![ANCIENT wayfinders](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/3TL2p9FRb1717157920583/ANCIENT-WAYFINDERS.jpg)
ANCIENT wayfinders
Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.
![COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/0_gtber8D1717157264935/COMMUNITY-COOPERATION-IN-THE-COSTOFLIVING-CRISIS.jpg)
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.
![On the men you](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/P6709Dic11717156942842/ON-THE-MEN-YOU.jpg)
On the men you
Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.
![Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/Ega9DTg2i1717154629164/SWEET-POTATO-IPOMOEA-BATATUS.jpg)
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.
![Green Beat](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/tyWlV-m651717154509797/GREEN-BEAT.jpg)
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues