Making Ends Meet When Inflation Hits
It’s no secret that we’re all feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and well, just about everything else as well. Unfortunately, wages are not rising as fast as the cost of living, which means it’s getting harder to pay the bills each month. So what’s a mama to do? Here are some easy and practical ways to stretch the dollar just a bit further.
Food Budget
Get some of your groceries for free. Many feel that receiving this kind of help is hard, but it is not shameful. Check this out: roughly 60 billion pounds (or 1/3rd) of the food supply in the US goes to waste each year. Organizations literally WANT to give their food away so it isn't wasted!!
There are some amazing food pantries, like this one in Colorado Springs that are like little grocery stores - not dirty or undignified.
Crossfire Ministries
Create a menu for the week and reuse meals creatively. For example, chili can be reused the next day to top a hot dog or even nachos. Use your menu to create a grocery list vs. showing up at the market and cruising the aisles.
Be selective in when and how much meat you use. Meat costs are rising the fastest right now.
Google ways to reduce waste. Examples: store your potatoes in a cool dark place so that they don’t sprout. Freeze bread or milk if you don’t typically use it all before it spoils. And leverage leftovers instead of throwing them out!
Housing Costs
If you own a home, shop your insurance every year! There are often deals on the market you can find.
A great way to reduce costs is to reduce your utilities by 10%. How? First, make it a game for your family and promise a reward if you make it! Some quick cheats:
Let your dishes air dry by turning off the dishwasher auto dry
Hang your damp clothes on a clothesline to get them 90% dry before running them through the dryer
Turn down your water heater just a smidgeon
Turn your AC set point one degree higher
Finally, just be more aware of lights that are on and make it a habit to turn them off when not in use
Cars and Driving
Beyond looking for a cheaper car if you are still paying off an expensive auto loan, be mindful of your driving habits. Can you consolidate trips and cut out total miles driven? Do you know where the cheapest gas near you is?
Another consideration is increasing your highway miles per gallon. How? The easiest way is to drop your speed by one or two miles per hour. Another way is "drafting" - drive behind a semi and be amazed at the improvement you’ll see.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of ways to save. Don’t try and do them all or you’d squeeze all fun out of life! Rather, pick a few that work for you and see if you can’t trim 10% out of your budget each month.
