Tunisia-EP 1 My Life: How a retired couple live in Tunis?

Tunisie Numérique carried a survey among Tunisian families to discover how do they maintain their budgets during the economic crisis that the country has been experiencing in recent years.

These families originate from diverse social classes and different age categories and they reside in both upscale and popular neighbourhoods.
They accepted to answer directly and anonymously to inquiries conducted by Tunisie Numérique.

Mahmoud, 64, is a retired teacher and works in a private preschool.

His wife Saloua, 60, is a housewife.

Their 24-year-old son works in a hair salon and lives with them.

Their 2 daughters are married and don’t live far away from their parents. They frequently visit home for family dinners.

Mahmoud and Saloua live in El Mourouj 6, in Ben Arous, in S + 2 rented apartment .

Mahmoud suffers from diabetes and is receiving long-term care from the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM).
The family has just completed paying off a bank loan for their daughter’s marriage, they have run out of credit.

The son has his own salary which he spends on personal expenses and hobbies. For the remainder, he is looked after by his parents.
Mahmoud:

“Lately I had a difficulty with the repayment of my bank credit. I had to pay the last instalment in July 2019, but following the rise in (TMM), I was obliged to pay 4 additional instalments. My bank didn’t notify me, it disregarded me, In a rush, I secured the last payment in November, I am relieved.

The rent for our apartment is also quite costly for this area, which is quite far from the city centre, but I work here and so does my son. So we cannot switch neighbourhoods now. ”

Saloua:

“Life has become quite expensive, particularly the costs of food products which raised significantly at the start of 2020. Before we could purchase the products we wanted. Now we go around the market to get the cheapest and second-best fruits and vegetables. For the rest, we observe promotions at Aziza and MG. ”

Monthly charges:
Rent: 420 DT

– STEG, SONEDE: 50 DT

– Food and cleansing products: 650 DT

– Mahmoud pocket money: 100 DT

– Saloua pocket money: 50DT

– Medicines: 200 DT

– Leisure and clothing: from 300 DT (this savings is utilised for the purchase of clothes and also for Eid sheep and summer vacations)

Family budget for the summer: 1000 DT.

The family also rents a residence nearby the sea for a few days.