RBA Rate Hike Forces Sydney Family to Work More Shifts 2026

The latest RBA rate hike has pushed the cash rate to 4.85%, the highest since 2008, and for Sydney mother Avelima Satiu, that means more shifts, a tighter budget, and less time with her children. Satiu and her husband Chris each work two jobs to keep their household afloat, and every rate rise forces them to review their finances and find extra work.

“We have to review our budget; we usually look at how many extra shifts we can pick up,” Satiu says. “Even if it’s like an extra $100 or $200 that we get a month, that usually is enough to cover that rate hike.” The family is among millions of Australian mortgage holders feeling the pinch after the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted its key interest rate on Tuesday from 4.6% to 4.85%.

What the RBA Rate Hike Means for This Family

The Satius live in a four-bedroom home in Gregory Hills, south-western Sydney, with a mortgage of about $850,000. They pay around $1,350 a week in repayments. Satiu, 36, works a nine-to-five job in finance and does freelance social media work on the side. Her husband works full-time in insurance and does disability support work on weekends.

Together, they work between 50 and 60 hours a week each. “We don’t get to spend as much time as a family as we would like. A lot of the time is spent away from my kids. My husband works every weekend, he works seven days a week and his hours are long … but it’s the sacrifice we’re willing to make,” she says. The couple’s youngest child arrived five months ago, and Satiu is already back at work.

Why the RBA Raised Rates Again

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate to combat inflation, which remains above its target range. Higher interest rates are intended to cool spending by making borrowing more expensive. For homeowners with mortgages, this means higher monthly repayments and less disposable income.

For families like the Satius, the impact is immediate: they must find extra money each month to cover the increase. In their case, picking up additional shifts is the only way to bridge the gap. “Even if it’s like an extra $100 or $200 that we get a month, that usually is enough to cover that rate hike,” Satiu explains.

The Human Cost of Higher Rates

Behind the economic statistics are real people making tough choices. The Satius are not alone; millions of mortgage holders across Australia are facing similar pressures. The constant need to work more hours takes a toll on family life and wellbeing.

Satiu’s story highlights the trade-offs many parents make: sacrificing time with children to keep a roof over their heads. With a new baby and demanding work schedules, the couple’s resilience is tested daily. Yet they remain determined to manage.

• RBA rate hike to 4.85% is the highest since 2008.
• Families like the Satius work multiple jobs to cover rising repayments.
• Extra shifts of $100-$200 a month can offset the increase.
• Time with family is often the first casualty of rate rises.
• Many mortgage holders face similar budget reviews after each RBA decision.

How the Rate Hike Affects Household Budgets

For a mortgage of $850,000, each 0.25 percentage point increase adds roughly $130 to monthly repayments, depending on the loan type. The Satius’ weekly repayment of $1,350 is already a significant portion of their income. With two children and multiple jobs, their budget leaves little room for unexpected expenses.

The couple’s strategy is typical: they review their budget and calculate how many extra shifts they can pick up. This approach works in the short term but is unsustainable over the long run, as it relies on constant additional work.

What to Watch Next for Mortgage Holders

Economists expect further rate rises if inflation remains high. The RBA has signaled it will do what is necessary to bring inflation down, which could mean more pain for borrowers. For families like the Satius, each announcement brings uncertainty and the need to adapt again.

It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the quality of life. Satiu’s husband works seven days a week, and she juggles freelance work alongside her main job. The couple’s willingness to sacrifice time together is a testament to their commitment to their family’s financial stability.

As rates continue to rise, more families will face similar decisions. The Satius’ story is a reminder of the human impact behind economic policy. For those looking to understand how other families navigate financial challenges, a look at family traditions and how cumquat jam brings generations together offers a different perspective on resilience and resourcefulness.

In times of financial strain, the support of community and family becomes even more important. The Satius rely on each other and on careful budgeting to get through. Their experience echoes that of many others who find creative ways to cope, such as preserving family recipes and traditions as a way to bond and save money.

While the RBA’s decisions are made at a national level, their effects are felt around kitchen tables across the country. The Satius’ story is one of many, and it underscores the importance of understanding the real-life consequences of rate hikes. For more on how families adapt, consider the role of family traditions in tough times.

As we watch for the next RBA announcement, stories like Satiu’s remind us that behind every statistic is a family making sacrifices. The hope is that rates will eventually stabilize, but until then, families will continue to do what they must. For those interested in the ways families come together, the tradition of making cumquat jam is a heartwarming example. The background to this story is set out in RBA Cash Rate Hike to 4.6%: Highest Level Since 2011. A related thread runs through RBA Rate Hike Strains Australian Families' Budgets.

Ultimately, the Satius’ experience is a call to awareness: the RBA rate hike is not just an economic event; it’s a personal one. And for families like theirs, every extra shift is a small victory in a larger struggle. Earlier coverage in RBA Interest Rate Hike: Use Our Loan Calculator to See Impact shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in RBA Rate Hikes: Devastating Impact on Australia Property Market.