We got our mortgage last june and fixed our interest for 3 years so are paying heaps more interest. DH and I both work in govt jobs so are secure but DH's pay is pretty low and he has been getting less overtime which is what makes his pay a lot less than we need.
Despite having a lot less to live on than other people who qualified we got none of the children bonus monies (the joys of a mortgage) but we will get the Rudd tax money as we earn under 80K each.
My friend's DH has a mowing business and they are being hit hard.