Further to what Springy said, there is help out there. I know in my local area, Vinnies have vouchers to assist with utility bills. They won't pay the whole lot, but they can certainly help with some of the costs. I know, because quite a few years ago, I needed help. Despite working my entire adult life, I found myself out of work for 18 months. My husband's part time wage meant I'd get around $20-50 a fortnight from Centrelink. I signed up for work for the dole, the day I signed up for the dole (they thought I was nuts, because they had to force people to do it!). It gave me an extra $20 a fortnight. It still wasn't enough.
It was extremely hard to walk into Vinnies and ask for help. Don't bother with the Salvo's, they promptly escorted me out the door saying they couldn't help They are A holes. The people behind the door at Vinnies knew I was genuine, as opposed to the long term bludgers who try to take what they can get, and turn up every week for a handout. They got the obligatory $20 voucher. I got $200 worth of vouchers for gas and electricity, and a food hamper. I was embarrassed. I was in tears. It was humiliating. I had no choice.
I now have an automatic BPay set up to pay gas, electricity and land rates that is paid every fortnight. I am now in credit with all, so I don't get bill shock when the bills come in! Even a small amount each fortnight can make a huge difference when they bills come in.
As for your ebay issue, there are fees to be paid on every sale. Around 13%. That is taken before ebay deposits the money into your account. What the item sells for isn't what you are going to get. Ebay are a business and need to make money. Therefore, they charge fees for selling on their site. Most sellers will incorporate the fees into the selling price, so they still make a decent profit.
