When deciding to participate in the survey concerning Financial stress, I chose to select 'Health Problems' which is so true, however, I would place home maintance in the same answer! I earn just above the cut off point to receive concessions, and so when I buy say 3 prescriptions my cost is $99 + it is certainly the truth that we can't afford to have medical problems. Remembering that my medical difficulties include, high blood pressure, high colestrol and heart burn (oh the joy of growing old) This alone keeps me poor, but then add into the equation, that any maintence that needs to be done around my home, other than a few manageable chores I can do (my home is double brick and I have a chronic back injury) I have to pay a tradesman to do it, even painting walls is out of my 'can dos' these days.

In the past I have painted a whole room, while my (ex) husband was at work!

I thought that life was meant to get easier when we had no stess of working, raising children or keeping a home whilst children go in and out making a mess!

Now I guess that the only stress free life I can enjoy must be found in an aged care residential facility!