“Tunisie Numérique has carried out a series of interviews with Tunisian families to uncover how they handle their budgets in these times of crisis that the country is going through”.
“These Tunisians come from various social classes, and ages and live in both posh and popular neighbourhoods. They voluntarily consented to answer in a spontaneous and anonymous manner to the questions of Tunisie Numérique. The stories have been transcribed as they are”.
Husband: Ali, 35 years old refrigerator repairer and plumber.
Wife: Sonia, 27 years old, housewife.
Ali and Sonia have two children: a boy, Firas, 06 years old and a 05 -year -old Marwa girl.
Firas is in a preparatory class. He will be enrolled in the first year of the next school year in a public school.
The couple lives in the Sfax West region
The monthly family income is between 2,000 and 2,500 dinars according to Ali who adds: “Some months I can earn up to 3,000 dinars. I work hard for that. It’s painful but it’s worth the candle. For my family I am ready for all sacrifices ”.
Sonia says, “I launched a page on Facebook to sell used clothes to support my husband. I am quite good at sewing. I personalize and adapt used clothes. “With a proud Sonia smile throws us” occasionally I design new clothes from the old. I am a designer, stylist and model maker. I am self-employed”.
Sonia tells us that to be capable to welcome customers and answer to their requests, she had to place her 02 children in daycare which costs the couple 360 dinars per month. The daycare is 500 meters from the home.
Sonia likewise tells us that the family car weighs heavily on the family budget. “It is a third child,” the mother says, adding “we will only be in peace when the monthly expenses of this car of misfortune will be paid definitively”.
On his part, Ali says “half of our income is evaporating in petrol consumption for the car, payment of leasing monthly payments and the rental of my repair and plumbing workshop”. Ali adds “every month it’s the exact thing, fixed costs that leave us no room for manoeuvre in the management of the family budget. We begin each month with 1,600 dinars less ”.
According to Ali, these monthly costs are as follows: 300 petrol dinars, 900 dinars for car leasing and 400 TND rent workshop.
Ali with a reassuring air says: “Hamdoullah. We live in a home which is the property of my Father, may God keep it. My father provides us with the home until we have enough money to construct a house upstairs. I cannot pay 400 dinars per month to rent a house. It’s impossible “.
Without giving details on the issue, Ali adds in an ironic tone “I own the air. My brother Youssef owns the house on the ground floor ”.
Sonia speaks to us about the management of her home: “The secret is to find suitable deals, buy roughly and particularly no unfunial and impulsive purchases, especially for food and household products. We purchase our fruits and vegetables directly from the market. The prices are more affordable. ».
Sonia adds: “A piece of advice for families with tight budgets: Avoid neighbourhood stores and commercial spaces. At the weekly market, prices are considerably lower and the products are fresh. ».
Ali tells us that only one year left to pay the payment for the car definitively. He adds with an enthusiastic tone “Once rid of this burden, we can breathe and launch the site‘ ‘Mramma’ ’. I will reserve the monthly car budget for the acquisition of building materials. My maternal uncle has pledged to help us build the upper floor. “
Sonia speaks “With a little common sense and a lot of juice, you can manage the expenses of the home for food products, cleaning products and the well-known snack of children. The plan is to cap at 350 dinars per month. “
Feeling targeted, Ali interferes to say “I make efforts, I rarely surpass 300 dinars per month in pocket money for cigarettes and coffee”.
The couple says that since their acquisition of the car, they have not permitted themselves to be on vacation or on outings.
Sonia adds: “We even saved family festivals and weddings. We only use the car in case of real necessity. We never take taxis or other means of transport. “
Ali says that the family’s car is rented‘‘ Occasionally ’ to people and friends of ‘confidence’ ’to improve income and pay the monthly payments.
The family dresses almost entirely from secondhand clothing. Sonia tells us proudly: “By my experience, the secondhand clothing I know. I buy, I get back and create new clothes. My neighbours believe that I get imported times or that I have family from abroad so much we put brand clothes and signed. “
Sonia adds: “With 100 dinars per month, I go chasing for good deals for my whole family. With so little money you can’t purchase anything in ready-to-wear stores. “
The couple spends the Eid festivals with the extended family this permits you to share costs. For the Eid Kébir Festival, it is the grandfather Salah who purchases sheep.
“It’s sacred for him and it suits us,” adds Ali.
The couple spends the summer with Ali’s sister who lives in Kerkennah.
Sonia discloses to us that she has a “piggy bank” which serves as a “magic” kitty for tours or walks on the island.
Sonia adds: “If required, I resort to my father who assists us to face the financial problems and in particular to pay the car slices this happens mostly in the event of a drop in my husband’s activity”.
Ali finished the interview by saying, “We only dream of building the home for all children to have their rooms. I count Inshallah, to open a hot and cold company ”.
Sonia all confident and proud adds “My husband has a job, he is an honest, skilled craftsman and above all he holds his word, it is his capital. Ali was able to gain the confidence of his customers ”.
Family budget
Ali’s salary: 2,500 dinars per month on average
Sonia’s salary: not declared
Expenses :
- 300 dinars per month for gasoline and car maintenance
- 350 dinars per month for food expenses and cleaning products
- 100 dinars per month for clothing
- 400 dinars per month for the rent of Ali’s workshop
- 900 dinars per month car’s pay
- 360 dinars per month for 02 children’s daycare
- 300 dinars per month’s pocket money
- 70 dinars per month for the STEG
- 40 dinars per month for the soundde
- 30 dinars per month for telecoms
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