If you follow me on social media you know I’ve been complaining about the crazy financial times we are living! The prices we are seeing at the moment at the grocery store. It’s insane, it’s inflation because of the war because of the strikes because… I mean it’s a never ending circle of blaming that is not going to stop anytime soon.
And while governments and major forces events are happening, how are we, the commons supposed to live? I mean, prices are rising but our paycheck isn’t! Am I right?!
So, I went to the grocery store to start stocking up my pantry and I came home with a bag filled (half filled) of random things whose price didn’t scare me. I mean, vegetable oil, fresh produce (not even organic!) and rice were just out of my league. Not to mention meat and fish!
So, how can we eat, pay our bills, yes because electricity is up 15%, we won’t even mention gas! These are the things I’m doing right now to try to navigate these crazy times:
- Start budgeting!
If there ever was a time to start budgeting, it’s now! The paycheck stays the same, but everything else doesn’t so it’s crucial that you know how much money you actually make and how much you need to live on.
- Make a grocery list and stick to it!
I know it’s easy to get sidetracked once you are actually at the supermarket! I mean those chips and that chocolate, they are calling your name! So it’s important that you make a list and stick to it. But be realistic, if you know you want to buy something and keep it off your list and then buy it anyway, you might as well just put it on the list and make your choices. If you get this, you won’t get those, the funds are limited, so choose well. TIP: listen to the Podcast Episode N 26 for some tips on meal planning!
- Compare! Compare! Compare!
The best way is to go online and check out sales and promotions going on in the different stores or brands that you most shop. And if possible, shop online and go pick up or have the groceries delivered if there’s no additional cost for you. TIP: if you have trouble sticking to your shopping list, this is a great option, because you are saving money, not wandering through the store and just buying what you actually need. Even if you pay a little more it’s worth it.
- Buy bulk.
Each time you find a good deal, if it’s financially possible for you, buy more because chances are that item’s price is going up and if it’s something you are constantly buying, this is a great option. Don’t buy it if it’s not something you don’t use a lot or if you are getting into debt to buy it. Yes, a credit card with a carried balance from month to month is debt.
- Lower or cancel subscriptions.
In a world where subscriptions and memberships are shoved down our throats constantly, be sure to pay just for what you use. I love a subscription and a membership, I mean, who doesn’t like feeling like they belong to a private club?. But right now, it’s time to really cut back, especially if you are not taking advantage of what you are paying for. Do you really need all those TV channels? Do you need to belong to 3 different book clubs? Do you need that subscription box? If you do and love it and use it, please continue! But if not, strongly consider cancelling.
These are the strategies I put in place when I feel unsafe in the world. What I mean is, when I feel that times are crazy (hope I’m not repeating myself!) and I don’t know which way the wind is going to blow, I keep my head down. I end up spending less on food because I pay a lot of attention to what I’m buying. So, if I save money and everything is fine, wars end and we get a bonus electricity check, I can spend it on lattes but if not… I’ll be ok!
