The high cost of living is a problem that many people face in today’s society. With the prices of food, gas, and other necessities skyrocketing, it can be difficult to get by. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the burden of rising prices. Here are four practical ways you can deal with the high cost of living in your town.
1. Reduce your debt
If you have any outstanding debt, then you need to make paying it off your top priority. The interest accrued on your credit card or loan balances is much-needed money that’s taken away from your budget and increases the costs of the things you’ve already bought. Living or working in a high cost of living area can make debt reduction difficult, especially if your income isn’t high. However, there are ways you can learn how to pay off debt fast with low income successfully. If you’re serious about becoming debt-free, it’s possible!
2. Stick to a budget
Many people avoid making budgets because they think a budget stops them from enjoying the things they love, but that’s not the case at all. Your budget can include anything you want, such as doing your hobbies, going out to restaurants, attending sports games, and whatever else brings you the most joy.
To create a budget that works, all you need to do is tally all your expenses and divvy up the income you make every month to pay for them. If you don’t earn enough, you can either find ways to earn more money (side hustles, another job, selling things you no longer use) or reduce expenses until the difference between your costs and income is $0. By sticking to a budget, you can make ends meet even in a HCOL area.
3. Co-opt necessities with your friends or neighbors
Don’t underestimate the power of community in a high cost of living area. Big cities like New York or Chicago will have ample resources for co-opting things we all use at a reduced rate. Look for co-op grocery stores, group daycares, bulk buying options, communal sharing or renting of tools and supplies, or anything else typical families need. Check your local Facebook groups, Craigslist, libraries, and places of worship to see what community resources are currently available.
4. Cut unnecessary expenses or find ways to make them cheaper
When everything is expensive in your area, you need to know how to be resourceful and limit unnecessary spending. You may need to make sacrifices to stay afloat, like changing your spending habits to ensure the rent is paid on time, but you don’t necessarily need to give up everything you love just to survive. Consider looking for alternative options to scratch that spending itch, such as shopping at thrift stores, flea markets, farmers markets, or buy-sell groups. You may find you can keep using retail therapy and buying things you love, but at a drastically reduced price.
The bottom line
Inflation and the rising cost of living in many areas are worrisome, but you can still thrive without going into debt just to live. Use any or all of these four tips, and you’ll notice an increase in both your quality of life and your bank account.
