10 Ways to Fight the Cost of Inflation

“There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means,” – Calvin Coolidge.

All across America, people are struggling to make ends meet while the government is doing nothing to ease inflation or the high cost of gas and food. So, it is time that we take the responsibility to help the situation ourselves. Inflation and high gas prices are not forever, but we should consider them a long-term problem and make the sacrifices to defeat them. The ten things below are not easy, especially after more than two years of restrictions due to Covid-19, but they may be necessary, at least for the time.

1. Buy groceries at discount grocers: The food cost has increased dramatically in the last year. In some cases, items have nearly doubled. You can save money by buying your food at discount stores like Aldi or Save-A-Lot. You can save the amount that groceries have gone up in a typical grocery store. In addition, it may also pay you to look at the regular grocery store ads for bargains.
2. Use coupons: Don’t be embarrassed to use coupons. Even wealthy people do. It may be worth the price of a newspaper subscription for the coupons. Also, major grocery stores provide coupons online that you can download and use.
3. Plan your shopping trips and errands and also cut back unnecessary trips to conserve fuel usage: Planning several stops on a single trip can drastically reduce fuel usage. Postpone vacations and long trips to visit relatives. Use public transportation if available; ride a bike or walk when feasible. Keep your tires properly inflated for maximum mileage. With a bit of planning, you can offset the high fuel price by using less.
4. Buy needed items on sale when possible: Don’t be tempted to buy clothing as soon as it hits the store shelves. The best time to buy clothes is at the change of seasons. In other words, buy winter clothes during spring sales and summer clothes during fall sales. At those times, you can find some extraordinary deals. Also, shop for clothes and other needed items at Goodwill and thrift stores. You can find new or lightly used items at a meager price. I heard a famous entertainer bragging about an attractive sports coat he was wearing that he bought at Goodwill. A few years ago, an actress won a best-dressed award in Hollywood for a dress she bought at a thrift store. Another way to cut expenses is to avoid buying impulse items by making a list and sticking with it, and also avoid buying things you don’t need. Compare prices when purchasing appliances and other items at several retailers to find the best deal.
5. Reduce the cost of utilities by watching how you heat and cool your home: You don’t have to be uncomfortable to save money. In the winter, you may keep the thermostat a little lower and wear a sweater to make up the difference. Also, turn the thermostat down at night and use more cover. In the summertime, use ceiling fans to help cool your home.
6. Downsize to a modest home: Many today live beyond their means, buying large homes that are far more than they need. Forget about keeping up with others and start caring for your family’s needs.
7. Drop your cable or satellite TV: At least, for the time being, drop your cable or satellite TV, which would go a long way in balancing the cost of gas and food.
8. Buy a used car instead of a new one and drive it longer: You can save an enormous amount of money by buying a used car instead of a new one and driving it until it is worn out. I’ve been driving a Jeep Wrangler, which I purchased used for sixteen years.
9. Fix your meals at home: The cost of eating out has increased dramatically, and on top of that, you are expected to pay from 15 to 20 percent or more in tips. It cost me less than three dollars to fix my breakfast compared to about fifteen dollars or more at a restaurant.
10. Fix coffee at home and avoid buying it at expensive coffee shops: According to estimates, five weekly trips to the coffee shop for 50 work weeks could cost you as much as $675 a year. That’s a significant expense! On the other hand, you can brew your coffee at home for around $0.16 – $0.25 per cup compared to $2.85 at Starbucks. That would just about offset the extra cost of gas for me. However, I don’t drink coffee.

Conclusion

I know that the list above would mean making some sacrifices, but it is a better option than going bankrupt or moving in with your parents to make ends meet. Also, it does not have to be a permanent solution. Things will change for the better, but it may take some time for that to happen. However, I believe the above items could be a permanent and better way of living. It is being a good steward with what God has given you.