Hi HT
An interesting comment that you believe a family of four should be able to get by on less than $32,400 in living expenses. So let's analyse it on a conservative basis, given todays cost of living:
Food x4 = $400 pw x 52 = $20,800 PA
Utilities (without solar) = $4,000 PA
School cost x 2 = $4,000 PA (State run school)
Fuel x 2 cars = $10,400 PA
Car maintenance x 2 = $400 PA
Car insurances x 2 = $2,000 PA
Home contents insurance = $500 PA
Medical and dentist x 4 (not privately insured) = $2,000 PA
Clothes x 4 = $2,000 PA
Phones x 4 (mobiles and fixed line) = $2,000 PA
Entertainment x 4 (music, books, Netflix, the occasional night out-etc) = $1,500 PA
Xmas and birthday gifts x 4 plus extended family = $1,000 PA
Hair cuts x 4 = $500 PA
Miscellaneous = $2,000
TOTAL = $53,500 PA (does not include rent or additional insurances required after home purchase)
I regard the above figure to be reasonably conservative, and I may have forgotten some recurring costs. Nevertheless, its a clear demonstration of running a family of four in todays economic environment.
