In an era of rising living costs, every dollar matters, particularly for those of us managing their finances on a fixed income and carefully budgeting their expenses. Unexpected charges, billing errors, and hidden fees can quickly add up, putting unnecessary strain on our finances.
Being vigilant, questioning discrepancies, and reviewing every charge can help avoid costly surprises. One Australian mother recently learned this the hard way after receiving an unexpectedly high bill—serving as a stark reminder of why it’s crucial to double-check every statement.
Kiara Amber, a mother from Gold Coast, was astounded when she received her latest rates bill, which seemed excessively high compared to her neighbours’ bills, despite their properties being nearly identical.
Her duplex, a modest three-bedroom home with a front and backyard, was being charged $1,333 every six months, a figure that had remained consistent since her family moved in back in November 2022.
After five bills and nearly $1,500 more paid than her neighbours, Kiara decided to take a closer look. It was then that she discovered her property was classified as a T2, while her neighbours were listed under a T1 category—a distinction made by the local council that can significantly affect rates.
‘We’re paying an extra $300 more than our joining neighbour that we share a freaking wall with. That feels unfair. We’ve paid nearly $1,500 more than everyone else, which is huge,’ she told Yahoo Finance.
‘We’re a single-income family and owning a house itself is so expensive with all of the bills, let alone having two kids, groceries, fuels, and insurance.’
@_kiaraamber No doubt they will try weasle their way out of it, but I’m like a dog with a bone 😌😌😌 so try me 💅🏽 #fyp #mumsoftiktok #savingmoney #saving #tipsandtricks #homeowner ♬ original sound – _kiaraamber
The revelation prompted Kiara to challenge the council’s categorisation of her property. She filed a ‘rating category objection’ and requested a refund or credit, arguing that she had been overcharged.
A spokesperson for Gold Coast City Council said that Kiara’s case is ‘being investigated.’
‘We encourage any ratepayer who believes they have been incorrectly categorised to complete a rating category objection as soon as possible,’ the spokesperson added.
Kiara’s experience is a stark reminder to question everything when it comes to household bills. From council rates to electricity charges, companies could slip in ‘sneaky increases’ and additional fees that may go unnoticed if we’re not careful.
To our YourLifeChoices readers, it’s essential to regularly review your bills and understand the breakdown of charges. If something doesn’t add up, don’t hesitate to reach out to the service provider for clarification.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that local councils have different categories and rates for properties, which can be based on various factors such as size, location, and amenities. Understanding these categories and what they mean for your rates can help you identify any discrepancies.
If you find yourself in a similar situation to Kiara, here are some steps you can take:
1. Compare your rates with neighbours or similar properties in your area to see if there’s a significant difference.
2. Check the category your property is listed under and understand what it means.
3. Contact your local council to inquire about the details of your categorisation and how it affects your rates.
4. If you believe there’s been an error, file a rating category objection with your council.
5. Keep records of all communications and any evidence that supports your case.
Remember, it’s your right to challenge charges you believe are unfair or incorrect. By staying informed and assertive, you can protect your finances and ensure you’re not paying more than you should.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you ever encountered a similar billing issue? How did you resolve it? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help others navigate these financial hurdles.
Also read: Mayor defends sky-high salaries amidst 40% rate hike for residents
