Member-only story
It came as much of a surprise to me as anyone when I did my tax return for the 2016–17 tax year. I don’t keep good ongoing records of my income and expenses, but rather have this vague but usually accurate sense of how much is coming in and going out. I guess it’s the result of a lifetime of living frugally, influenced by a mother and former partner who are much better with money than I.
Last year I paid all my bills on time, I had ample free time, I travelled abroad, I went out for dinners and drinks, had a gym membership, ate well and enjoyed my regular diet, and lived in an apartment by myself 6km from the CBD. My total income was just shy of $20,000 for the entire year — which in case you aren’t aware is below the poverty line (currently about $22,000 in Australia, or roughly half the median income).
Because we have a progressive tax system I received a 100% tax refund, not that I’m against paying tax anyhow. It’s fundamental to a functioning society that we collectively contribute to our nation. But last year I didn’t need to, along with 1 in 3 multi-million dollar corporations apparently.
But that’s not what this article is about.
My poverty line income had me stumped. How could I earn so little and yet have such a high quality of life…
