We own a $3million home and have $100,000 in savings. So why do we still feel one pay cheque away from disaster? VANESSA STOYKOV

Detailed summary

They have $2.3million in home equity, a six-figure savings buffer and a household income many Australians would envy. Yet one expense is leaving this family constantly worried about money.

Published: 11:35 GMT, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 11:36 GMT, 14 November 2026

My husband and I earn $180,000 a year between us, but lately I feel like we're drowning financially.

Our two teenage sons attend a private school. Both have 50 per cent scholarships, yet we still pay around $50,000 a year in fees.

Our home is worth about $3million, with a $700,000 mortgage. We have $100,000 in an offset account earmarked for the remaining three years of school fees.

On paper, we should be comfortable. In reality, the mortgage, school fees and everyday living costs leave us feeling as though there is never enough money. I worry about what happens if one of us loses a job or an unexpected bill arrives.

Everyone around us seems to earn $300,000 or more. I know we're fortunate, but I'm beginning to wonder whether we've overstretched ourselves.

Should we just hang on for another three years until the boys finish school, or are we living beyond our means?

Money educator Vanessa Stoykov (pictured) gives advice to a woman who is feeling the strain financially

There's something fascinating happening around the world right now. People who once considered themselves comfortably wealthy are looking at their bank accounts and wondering where all their money has gone.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Daily Mail. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.