They are a family of six and the recent addition of twins meant they had to reassess their financial situation

"We planned pretty carefully for baby number three and we got a surprise extra one," Ms Holmes said.

"I wouldn't change anything but it did create some financial strain.

"Our whole world has had to be adjusted, I've had to open my own business and we really do think about every day living expenses a lot more."

It meant Ms Holmes went back to work as a hairdresser quickly after the birth and runs her own salon.

The family are homeowners in Moncrieff and will face a rate increase of about 10 per cent next year. Car registrations will also rise by an average of $18 and parking in civic will rise by  6 per cent.

She said while small increases did not affect their day to day budget, the cumulative effect of cost of living increases did.

With two 17-month-olds at home, Ms Holmes and her husband Greg have their futures firmly in mind and are always thinking about education options, welcoming the investment in new schools.

"It is top of our priority list, my husband and I both went to private schools but we are open to exploring the public system," she said.

She was disappointed there was not more in the budget to address growing congestion issues from Gungahlin into civic, with a morning commute taking up to one hour.

"Traffic in the morning has become ridiculous in the area," she said.

"To get the girls from our house to day care which is just a few kilometres takes up to 20 minutes now."

Ms Holmes has had to take both her twins to the pediatric ward in recent months. While impressed with the standard of care, she said it was clear staff were stretched.

"Any extra money in that area is a good thing," she said.

While she has never visited a nurse walk-in centre, she would consider using the one due to open in Gungahlin later in the year.

She is also concerned about the cost of housing in the ACT, with prices rising dramatically in recent years and many areas now out of reach.

The family is also worried about the rising cost of electricity in the ACT and difficulties finding affordable affordable childcare.

Families ACT Executive Officer Will Mollison said he was disappointed the budget didn't do more to address housing affordability.

“We congratulate the Treasurer on bringing the budget to surplus this year, but we are disappointed today’s budget didn’t include more information about how the ACT Government will solve the Territory’s housing affordability and homelessness crisis," he said.

“We have to question the allocation of $2.2 million for developing and promoting the CBR brand, and $5 million to establish the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund.

"The fastest growing economy in Australia shouldn’t need a charitable fund. Making sure that every Canberran enjoys the ACT’s prosperity should be central to our brand.

“Ultimately, putting money into services that need it is more urgent than balancing the books.”