We all struggle from time to time.

That’s the opinion of 53-year-old father Fuga Nive of Apolima Uta.

He was approached by the Village Voice team while clearing rubbish in front of his house yesterday morning.

“Money is always the problem,” he said.

He said salaries did not match the high cost of goods in the Samoa.

“I have five children and two of them work at one of the companies at Mulifanua, and the salaries they get, we just can’t stretch them for the other week.

“Both of them receive not more than $100 per week and we all know what’s happening now especially when you have village, church and family obligations to deal with from day to day.”

His children’s salaries are not that much and he says they try to budget wisely.

“The truth now is that many can’t afford to live off their wages and that’s the reality in Samoa now.

“It’s not that I didn’t appreciate what my sons gives to us from his pay, but to be honest, when they get their salaries then it goes very fast with everything we have to do.

“We all know when you hold $100 it feels like a $1 nowadays, the money comes in on Friday and finishes on a Friday. 

“But there’s nothing much we can do,” Fuga said.

He understands that many families are purchasing goods on credit.

“This is what helps many survive; they live off a credit account from a shop nearby.

“God has blessed Samoa with food, but the pay for many is not enough to pay for daily necessities.

“Our people are struggling in life because of low wages, the cost of goods and services is sky high and their pays are not enough.”

He said this was the reality that many families were facing today. 

“My family is no exception, and I know many out there agree with me on this issue, but there’s nothing to hide.

“We all know what’s happening to our country every day, all we have to do is to find ways to help our family out.”

However, he said life was good in Samoa.

“Aside from the high cost of living, thank God that we don’t need to pay any money for our house like other countries.

“We have food everywhere, taros are rotten all over Samoa but money is always the problem,” Fuga added.