Here are a few smart money moves you can try to deal with inflation
Prices are up. Meat is expensive. Rent seems to demand half your soul as it drains your bank account dry. And you’re starting to wonder if the “cost of living” is a horrible cosmic joke.
Welcome to the era of inflation. This is where your paycheck feels smaller and your grocery cart looks emptier. But you don’t have to accept defeat or live off instant noodles (unless you’re into that). With a few clever moves, a little frugality, and maybe a dash of Benjamin Franklin-style common sense, you can still manage well. (Ben is my hero.)
Here’s how to fight back.
💸 1. Plug the Money Leaks
You won’t know where to plug the money leaks if you don’t know where they are. So start tracking what you spend.
Inflation hurts more when your budget’s already leaking like a spaghetti strainer.
Start here:
Look at 2–3 months of spending. Pull out those bank records and credit card statements. Yes, I know this is an annoying task. But this is how you find out where your money is being spent.
Cancel subscriptions you forgot about (looking at you, “free trial” from 2022).
Call and negotiate bills. Cell phone, internet, insurance. You might be surprised how often they’ll lower your rate if you ask.
Set a weekly spending cap on wants, not needs. Limit Amazon therapy, drive-thru detours, and expensive food delivery apps.
🛠 Tool Tip: Try free apps like Rocket Money, YNAB, or Monarch Money to make this painless.
🍽 2. Make Groceries Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)
Eat well while spending less. Repeat.
If the grocery store makes you gasp at checkout, it’s time to switch things up:
Plan meals around what’s on sale, not what you’re craving.
Use cheaper stores like Aldi, WinCo, or Grocery Outlet.
Buy bulk or store brands when the math makes sense.
Try food-saving apps like Flashfood (discounts on near-expired groceries), Ibotta (cash back), or Too Good To Go (leftovers from restaurants for cheap).
Vegetarian meals cost less. Plan at least one meat-free meal.
Bonus tip: Making breakfast for dinner is frugal and fun.
💬 3. Adopt Franklin-Approved Frugal Habits
Save money where it’s easy to modify our behavior by planning.
Let’s outsmart inflation without depriving ourselves of a life worth living.
Batch errands to save gas and time.
Cook more meals at home (start with 3 days a week if you’re new).
Split subscriptions with trusted family/friends.
Use the 7-day rule: If you still want it in a week, you can buy it. Most of the time, you won’t.
Remember: Frugal isn’t cheap. Frugal is wise.
💵 4. Make a Little Extra
Inflation will not outpace your hustle.
A small side hustle can take the pressure off your budget:
Sell unused stuff (Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari)
Use your skills (babysitting, tutoring, freelance writing, web design, whatever you’ve got)
Low-barrier gigs: Dog walking, house sitting, TaskRabbit, or taking surveys
Even $100/month can cover a trip to the grocery store or give your savings/investments a boost.
📈 5. Keep Investing (Even $5 at a Time)
Money may not grow on trees, but it can grow in index funds over time.
Yes, inflation is real. But you don’t have to let it stop your bright future just because the present ride is bumpy.
Invest small amounts regularly, even if it’s just $5/week.
Use platforms with fractional shares like Fidelity, Schwab, or M1.
Focus on index funds. They’re low-cost, diversified, and generally a solid bet.
Don’t try to time the market. Stay in the market. History shows it works.
Your future self will thank you. Possibly from a beach.
🛟 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Powerless
You don’t need to outpace inflation in one heroic leap. But every smart step you take now adds up.
Cut where you can. Earn what you can. Save what you must.
And remember that your financial plan doesn’t have to be perfect. But it needs to be better than doing nothing.
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