How to Save money & survive inflation.
Tips for handling inflation for homemakers, housewives, and stay at home moms.
As a homemaker I know the rising cost of inflation is hitting right where it hurts. There's no question that it has been tough to navigate for thousands of people and families.
Focus on what we can control
Although we don't have much control over inflation and the economy , the effect of these tips can help to lessen the effect that inflation is having on our bank accounts and help us to regain a sense of control.
I've literally done all the things on this list since inflation has hit (and i'm continuing to do so)
It's still affecting our wallet but we at least have some ways of reducing the impact and staying on track financially.
These tips work! It's all about self control, intentionality and consistency.
As a quick side note for all my fellow homemakers out there… Get your home in order! I say this with love and I'm speaking to myself as well!
Between rising inflation, gas prices, and the UN’s warning of global food shortages, there is plenty of evidence in front of us that the upcoming months could get difficult IF we aren't prepared.
But the good news is we CAN prepare, we can stock a pantry full of essential foods(Do Not panic buy, just be intentional about your food budget). We can pay down our debt (as much as we can of it) , and we can grow a garden.
These are just a few things we can do to weather the storm, but even if nothing happens and everything starts to look up at least we will have a full pantry, more money and a lovely garden. But enough with all the doom and gloom, let's get into these actionable steps that you can take to deal with inflation.
Groceries
Stick to a budget
It may seem cliche but it's cliche
for a reason
Make a grocery list
And stick to it..
Shop weekly ads/sales
Simplify your meals, simpler and fewer ingredients
I would give input on each one of these tips but instead i think it would be easier to explain exactly what i do to keep my grocery budget low.
First I take a look at my pantry, fridge and freezer and pick out what I want to use up in the coming weeks.
Then I sit down and write out a list of all the essentials i know i have to buy like milk, eggs, flour etc. basically all the things i always have in stock.
After that I sit down and take a look at my local grocery stores weekly ads to see if there are things on sale that I normally buy or that I could use in my meal plan.
Then I create a meal plan based on the foods I want to use, the essentials I always have on hand and the sales that are available that week.
I have tried A LOT of different meal planning techniques and this has been the most efficient for me personally.
P.s. try to pick meals that are simple to make, and keep a list of 12-15 of your family's favorite meals that way you can pull from that list as you create your meal plan.
Transportation
Ride-share with a coworker or neighbor
This tip has helped me and my husband greatly. He has been riding to work with our neighbors for the last couple months, but I do understand that this tip isn't applicable to every situation. But if by chance you have the opportunity to ride-share it is worth it financially.
Go grocery shopping with a friend or family member to save on fuel.
I have occasionally chosen to go with friends or family to town to get groceries although i don't use this tip all the time, it is
Take fewer trips into town
All of these tips work best for someone living in a rural area (like me) but these concepts can be used if you live in town as well.
Spending
Stop or reduce shopping/thrifting
If you actually have a NEED then shopping second hand can be a great way to save money and shop sustainably, but if you're like me and often go thrifting or shopping for fun then now is the time to take a break, or to just stop. Save your money unless it's an essential purchase.
Stop comparing yourself to others and choose contentment
This tip has been one of the harder for me to implement. But I'm slowly getting better at being content with what I have and not comparing my life to others. I think this is a human struggle, that advertisers know how to manipulate very well.
Comparison can wreak havoc on your mind and cause you to buy things that you don't need. Be careful of the content you consume because it is specifically intended to get you to buy!
Reduce or stop buying coffee and make it at home
If you're anything like me, you buy coffee whenever you're in town. I can't lie, I love a good iced caramel macchiato, luckily I live in the country and only go to town once a week (i'm still trying to reduce the amount of coffees I buy) but this can become a huge expense if you are heading to town or work every day.
There are some great at home coffee recipes that you can replace those $7 coffees for.
Ever heard of egg yolk coffee? its way better than any coffee you can buy
Take your time to buy new items be patient and frugal
By taking your time to buy, you're giving yourself the needed time to contemplate what is important, it's so easy when you see others with nicely decorated homes online or friends with nice furniture. But nice homes take time!
And beyond your home if you take time to look for deals, or even *gasp* save up the money for whatever it is you need, you will be much more likely to be intentional about the purchase and will be less likely to regret your purchase.
Download your bank app to keep track of your finances
It took me way too long to get on board with this, but let me tell you it's so helpful to be able to check your finances right before you make a purchase or even daily to keep updated on what payments have hit your account.
I hope you actually implement some of these tips so you can see how impactful they can be!
You might notice a common theme amongst these tips, it’s intentionality! Be intentional about every purchase and take your time to find productive solutions. If you feel like something is not working, try something different.
Don't be afraid to adjust your approach when times get tough. Being adaptable and resilient is our superpower as humans, don't underestimate what a simple pivot can do for you.
