All around me, prices are going up. The cost of food, fuel, insurance, and household bills has crept up, and my bank statements show that even the smallest daily expenses are costing me more than they used to. My income might go up slightly, but it won’t be enough to match the increases. If I don’t take action, I know I will feel the financial squeeze more and more.
I could worry and stress about it (which I have done in the past), but instead, I prefer to be solution-focused. I can’t control the economy, but I can control my approach to managing my money. This is my personal plan to navigate rising prices—maybe some of it will help you too.
Reviewing My Past Spending
The first step in taking control is understanding where my money has been going. So, I’ve pulled out my bank statements and taken a long, honest look at my spending habits.
- Are there any subscriptions I can cancel or reduce? I found a couple of streaming services I barely use and canceled them.
- Am I sticking to my budget, or do I tend to overspend in certain areas? I noticed that certain months were more expensive—likely due to birthdays, holidays, or impulse purchases.
- Do I have any spending habits that need changing? I realized that I tend to buy extra snacks when I stop for petrol, so I’m now making sure to bring my own snacks from home.
Just being aware of where my money is going makes it easier to adjust.
Adjusting My Budget and Finding Areas to Cut Back
I know that small savings here and there add up to a big difference over time. But I also know that cutting back doesn’t mean giving up everything I enjoy—it just means making smarter choices.
Some areas I’ve reviewed:
- Transport: Do we really need two cars, or could we manage with one? With fuel prices so high, I’ve also been combining errands to reduce unnecessary trips.
- Food: I’ve started meal planning properly, which means less waste and more savings. Instead of expensive takeaways, I’m batch cooking and freezing meals.
- Energy: We’re being more mindful—only using the oven when absolutely necessary, relying more on the air fryer, and making sure lights and devices aren’t left on unnecessarily.
- Personal care: Instead of regular salon visits, I’m stretching them out a little longer. I’ve also swapped out expensive toiletries for more budget-friendly alternatives.
The key is prioritization. What do I truly value? What do I need to keep for my well-being, and what can I cut back on without feeling deprived?
Shifting Money Between Budgets
I see my budget as flexible rather than rigid. If one area has gone up significantly (like fuel costs for family visits), I look at where I can take a little from another category.
For example, my food budget has stayed the same despite prices increasing. How? By:
- Cooking from scratch instead of buying pre-made items.
- Using community food-sharing projects when possible.
- Swapping brand-name items for cheaper alternatives.
It’s all about balancing priorities. If my heating bill is higher in winter, I compensate by reducing non-essential expenses like entertainment or eating out.
Seeking Out Free and Cheaper Alternatives
Instead of just accepting that everything costs more, I’m actively looking for ways to reduce costs or find free alternatives.
- Swapping skills with friends and family. Someone might need help with DIY while I need help with my taxes.
- Sharing resources. We already swap tools and gardening supplies with neighbors.
- Buying second-hand instead of new. From clothes to furniture, I’ve found some great deals this way.
- Utilizing community resources. Freecycle, local food projects, and warm spaces all offer ways to reduce spending.
Sometimes, a little creativity makes all the difference.
Exploring Ways to Increase My Income
While cutting costs helps, finding ways to bring in extra money is another way to combat rising prices. I’ve been considering:
- Selling unwanted items – Clothes, furniture, and things I no longer use.
- Using cashback apps and surveys – Small amounts add up over time.
- Exploring extra work opportunities – Freelancing, occasional babysitting, or helping out with odd jobs.
Even a small increase in income makes a big difference when paired with mindful spending.
Learning and Adapting
I’ve realized that there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s watching YouTube videos on saving money, joining budgeting groups, or reading about frugal living, I keep picking up new ideas.
Some things I’ve learned:
- Foraging and preserving food can cut grocery costs.
- Making homemade cleaning products saves money and reduces waste.
- Swapping energy-intensive habits for alternatives (e.g., using a heated blanket instead of central heating).
Learning new skills not only saves money but also makes me feel more self-sufficient.
Changing Daily Habits to Save Money
I’ve become more mindful of small daily habits that add up to big savings over time. Some changes I’ve made:
✅ Laundry – I now wash clothes only when I have a full load and use lower temperatures.
✅ Car usage – Short trips are now either walked or combined into a single outing.
✅ Heating – Instead of turning up the thermostat, I layer up and use blankets.
✅ Shopping habits – I now carry a reusable bag so I don’t have to pay for plastic ones.
None of these changes feel drastic, but together, they make a noticeable impact on my monthly budget.
Staying Positive and Focusing on Solutions
Rising prices can feel overwhelming, but I refuse to let them define my quality of life. Instead of focusing on what I can’t control, I’m focusing on what I can—my mindset, my choices, and my ability to adapt.
- I remind myself that I have enough. I don’t need to chase material possessions or compare myself to others.
- I surround myself with positive, like-minded people. People who inspire me to live simply and appreciate what I have.
- I trust that solutions will come. By being proactive and open to change, I know I’ll always find a way.
I’ve realized that financial security isn’t about how much money I have—it’s about how well I manage what I do have. And with careful planning, creativity, and resilience, I know that I can handle whatever challenges come my way.
Final Thoughts: We’ve Got This!
The world around us is changing, and prices may keep rising, but we don’t have to feel powerless. By being intentional with spending, open to learning new skills, and proactive about finding solutions, we can navigate these changes and even thrive.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by rising costs, you’re not alone. But small changes, made consistently, can lead to big results. Let’s take control of what we can, stay positive, and make a plan that works for us. We’ve totally got this!
