Cost Of Living Is TOO EXPENSIVE… How is everyone making it?

Inflation is hitting so hard right now. Life is so expensive - everything from rent to grocery prices to gas has gone up massive amounts in the past year and our income has not kept up.
Add in a few emergencies last month and our sinking funds got wiped out and we are feeling the squeeze more than ever. I made this video after watching another and receiving a $1,000 "catch up" utility bill due in two weeks.
In this video I share some thoughts and mental techniques I'm using to get through this time.
Video inspired by ‪@DyanaMariie‬ go watch her video!! • How are we all affordi...
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[@Surviving_But_Thriving]

I saw a thing on TikTok that they felt we are living in “The Silent Depression” and i havent been able to get it out of my head since I saw it . 😢😢 Silent because we are all feeling it but no one’s talking about it.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Ooohhhh yesss that is interesting

[@Rosie82333]

I feel like it’s because we live in a very superficial society and there are people who don’t want to admit theyre going broke….they just bury their heads in the sand, pay, and continue to try to “keep up with the Jones’”…..

[@amolamula405]

It almost feels like we are paying for the air we breathe because this is suffocating!!!

[@lordprotector3367]

All I need is the air that I breathe... :)

[@blackdong4footwangnosucky]

Co2 tax

[@lisar901]

I was walking to work today and I found $40.00 dollars in the grass. I picked it up and said thank you God. And put it in my pocket.

[@weeklyalexa257]

Luckyy!

[@CompaGuitarra]

Very nice! So happy for you.

[@cherylT321]

I found a 20 dollar bill a while ago. It was just lying there on the ground; it’s been a long time since that has happened to me but I said thank you and went on my way!

[@TakieshaSantana]

I was walking home the other day and found a lotto scratch on the ground. I noticed one number hadn't been scratched to see if it was a winner so I scratched it and it was a $2 winner lol not life changing but still neat

[@AK_AF_LB]

😢 I feel bad for the person who lost it. I have had this happen, but I have always turned it in. I don't want my "good luck" to be because of someone else's bad luck.

[@Feber2001]

I sold my soul to my job and work 8+ hours almost every day with little to no breaks....and I'm STILL struggling financially. It shouldn't be like this :(

[@labrigful]

I am baking bread and cooking as cheap as I can, and my grocery bill keeps going up. 😢

[@chatty7076]

8 hours a day? I work 6, 10 hour days every day. 365. That is just what we have to do to survive. Keep going.

[@jrrizz0563]

8 hours? You must not live in the US... thats a normal workday. Regardedless, I feel your pain and I wish it didnt have to be this way.

[@breeb803]

We aren't. We're just surviving.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Definitely. That’s what I’m feeling and seeing.

[@breeb803]

I mentioned the same on Dayana's video. I felt comfortable last year and this year I'm barely making it.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Saaaaame! Last year we felt like we were doing so well and this year it feels like every month is a struggle. The big goals I set for us last year just don’t feel possible right now.

[@DoTheDomThing]

Exactly, and surviving is a battle too, especially mentally.

[@missalwaysfortunate]

💯

[@YazWhyNY]

I was just talking about this in therapy this week. Groceries are through the roof. I finally hit 6 figures and while it does sound like a lot and I guess technically it is, 6 figures isn't 6 figuring like it used to 🤦‍♀️

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Right? It really hurts to finally make so much money yet realize it’s not hitting the way it used to. Did your therapist share any wisdom? I probably will bring this up with my therapist soon honestly!

[@otunbaress]

No truer words were said!!! ... 100k salary is now the new $70k. .. thanks to inflation. Smh

[@YazWhyNY]

@@PenniesNotPerfection honestly no, we both kind of just bonded over the crappy fact 🫠

[@mirandamenard3616]

It’s times like this that I’m thankful for being almost debt free. Just my car left (besides the house) and we are on track to pay it off by the end of the year. Sometimes we can’t put as much in savings as we would like due to the rising cost of food and everything else but am grateful that’s our biggest problem. I feel bad for those struggling to keep their four walls right now.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

For sure! I’m cutting back on the extra savings stuff, but all our needs are covered and I’m really grateful to be debt free. When I got my catch up utility bill I knew I could pull from savings to pay it but I also know a lot of people can’t do that and it’s another struggle to add to everything else. 😥

[@miriamthompson4661]

I'm proud of you

[@philosopherprince339]

How much is your property tax and time owners insurance and what state? Thank you

[@mystico21p]

As a single truck driver, it's pretty easy. Live in the truck, no bills, no debt, save money, and take frequent breaks (1-2 weeks) overseas or abroad. There's a solution to this screwery.

[@CasiodorusRex]

Not feasable.

[@matthewcaldwell8100]

"Become a truck driver" is not a solution to a cost of living crisis for the general population.

[@miriamthompson4661]

Good for you..be safe

[@EnnVee959]

Your truck strategy to living well makes sense financially but what about quality of life?

[@Destroyyyahhhhh21]

I hope you didn’t work for Yellow

[@NobodySpecial509]

I’m in Canada 🇨🇦, and it’s the same everywhere.. it’s so overwhelming over the last few years. 😢 I have to say your video was *exactly* what i needed to hear today.. thank-you for being so open & honest! ❤ I’ve had to pull a couple grand out of our savings (which isn’t that high to begin with!) for things we needed and I feel so guilty that I haven’t been able to replace of of that. I’m working long hours, wearing myself out and we’re just making it… it’s depressing & so stressful. 😣 I’m going to follow suit and for now simply aim to stay “stable” and be grateful if we’re able to do that. God bless!

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I totally understand this! Pulling from savings can feel bad but I keep reminding myself that it’s there for that exact reason! We save when we can when things are good so we can maintain during times like this. Stability and gratitude are definitely good goals! Canada housing and rent prices blow my mind whenever I see anything about your housing markets. It definitely feels like it’s hard everywhere these days!

[@lisahaffner3337]

I couldn’t afford to rent. My mortgage is lower than what rent for a 2 bedroom apartment

[@christinejunk8184]

One thing I feel blessed about is that my grandmother taught me a lot about how to cook creatively from scratch. Pasta, dumpings and bread, yogurt, nut milks and other things. I bought myself a Dash Mini which takes little hydro and can make so much in it as well without turning on a stove. It takes more time to cook my meals but since I'm spending less going out, cooking something new has become part of my own entertainment and having potluck meals with friends is fun too. I also discovered food savings apps like FlashFood, TooGoodToGo and produce clearout carts where I cook what I pick up on the same day. I started taking up hobbies more like puzzles, going on hikes, camping. it's been a lifestyle change but I am enjoying it. One thing I'd recommend is learn how to enjoy all things beans. There is so much variety and dried beans are extraordinarily low cost and don't have to be boring. Instead of having a grocery list you stick to, go for what is on sale/loss leader and build your menu around it.

[@MayavatiBanerjee]

The funny thing this is not a USA problem. Its a global issue. Im paying 5x more for Tomatos. Inflation has hit lots of things but food and gas hits the hardest. But thank you Mary, some of the things you said really hit a sensitive corner. I deleted Facebook not because of envy, i wish my friends n co workers well but being 25 now whenever i used to open facbook, every one is either getting married or promoted or making babies and even though im saving a decent chunk of my paycheck, i still think im far behind on my goals and travel seems so easy to others. For my mental peace ive stopped comparing and looking.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I didn’t think it was but I just don’t have as much info on other countries anymore. Food has been a huge one for us.

[@LR-pw9dd]

A global reset for the upper 1%

[@eurekaelephant2714]

Youve done the right thing. Facebook is just a highlight reel of people's lives and people do not often share their experiences honestly.

[@karek4635]

Remember lots of your peers lifestyles are being funded at least in part by their parents. 25 is a hard age Keep going, simplify, be true to yourself, and smell the roses along the way.

[@andrewemery7459]

Thank you for letting the rest of us feel like we are not alone in this struggle. It does help to know we all wish each other better days ahead and that other people understand the hardship we are struggling with. You can feel the love and caring coming through in these comments. I will say a special prayer for all of us watching this video if that is OK. It can not hurt to try. May all of us someday have easier days ahead.

[@idunawow]

I really appreciate you talking about this in an honest way. I've decided to put off buying a house for now because of the high interest rates, low inventory, and crazy prices. Despite how much I've saved for a down payment, it's just not realistic right now. I've decided that I'm just going to continue trying my best with the things I can control, so that when the opportunity comes I'll be ready. Small progress is still progress.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Small progress is progress! The house things was hard to let go of for me but I’m right there with you.

[@MechAdv]

Jeff Bezos just nuked the market even harder with his new “fractional real estate investment company”…. 🤬

[@megan0123456]

Before pandemic my bills came to £850, they’re now at £1200 that is a lot of money to lose out on. I’m also unwell at the moment therefore can’t shop at in person supermarkets like aldi, and now having to pay the high prices of those which can deliver. It’s all so insane.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I'm so sorry being unwell is adding additional burden! Could you do pickup orders and save the delivery fee?

[@alex_la_fantastica1632]

I was just talking to my husband about this earlier today. It’s not easy but we need to trust the process. We all need to make adjustments and try to remain sane. We make descent money but our expenses keep getting out of control and everything is going up in price except salaries 😫

[@jayocean4724]

I'm very low income and I often do feel like a failure my job isn't given raises and I haven't had one in 3 years. I am currently looking for flexible part time work to supplement income but I feel the weight of the world. Some months I can barely save and at my age feel like I should be so far from where I am. I needed to hear it's ok.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

You’re definitely not the only one that hasn’t gotten a raise. I hope the part time work helps. I wish it wasn’t necessary. I’m proud of you for doing so much.

[@myday2704]

It's definitely not fair to not get a raise for 3 years. If possible look for a new job the current one doesn't deserve you. I'm sure you are doing the best you can with what you have. I wish you luck with finding a job.

[@desertrat5543]

This video was one of my favorites. So relatable. I have been really leaning into gratitude lately, and I often reflect to to when we were dirt poor about a decade ago. The fact that I’m able to help others now, gives me a lot of peace with the economic downfall. Im just so grateful that I’m in a place where I can be “mediocre” because that’s better than when I was paycheck to paycheck. My heart goes to everyone who are barely staying afloat.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I love that! Gratitude is really helpful. I am in such a better place than I was years ago and so lucky and grateful for it. I am accepting always striving for bigger/better isn’t necessary or possible at times. I also worry about everyone staying afloat or in debt or with fixed incomes. The comments I get sometimes really do worry me for people when it’s so bleak.

[@jaysant6958]

I’m in a similar situation & just wondering how to help others.

[@michaelcrandall358]

Truth is I am ashamed of it. But I can't even afford food anymore. Literally skip every meal. No more working on opening a small business. No credit, no resources. At this point it can all burn or not. I have no dog in the fight anymore.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I’m so sorry to hear this! Have you checked out food pantries near you? My city has several ongoing ones and they are there for times like this! Don’t be ashamed to use resources that exist when things are hard!

[@PrettyBlackChosen]

Same.

[@ebonylewis1680]

As long as I can save a $1. I feel blessed. We all are doing our very best. I am happy to see the eggs now cost lower. My daughter likes her eggs sometimes lol.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

We love eggs her too! I stopped buying them for a while when the price shots up but bought them last month again and my little boy was very happy.

[@JTDyer21]

Looks like I'm moving into my car. Rent is just outrageous.

[@PrettyBlackChosen]

Hey I did it for a year straight and saved money. Very hard and scary, but worth it, to me.

[@mybdayis420]

Its hard. Not impossible, but its a struggle and doesn’t seem like it will end

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Hard not impossible is a great way to explain it.

[@rasenganshimada208]

I know its fucking BS

[@catelinrussin8206]

Pay check to pay check for me rn. I make $24 an hour at the age of 21. When I was a kid, I thought this would set me up for success but yet I’m literally just BARLEY surviving.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Totally understand. I thought $20-$25 was sooo much but times have changed and now it’s barely enough to survive.

[@simplyComplicatedLife]

We have had to stop being gazelle intense on our debt journey to recover from a couple of unexpected expenses and I am ok with it. We continue to pay the minimum payments but at the same time we are reinforcing or sinking funds and doing our best to survive and adapt to this new cost of living. I know we will pay off all the debt at some point, but for now this is not the no1 priority anymore and that is ok ❤

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Gazelle intensity is hard to sustain in good times too! You will pay it off but it’s not a race and you’re doing fine!

[@qq1651]

We have been debt free, except for our mortgage with only a couple years left, so that has saved us going through the last year and going forward. We have had to eat out less or not at all to allow enough to pay for groceries, and we go to the food shelf once a month too. Ive gotten a part time job that starts next week to help, as well, despite having retired early last year. We are VERY cognitive about turning out the lights when we leave a room, doing laundry and running the dishwasher before bed rather than during the day. I do all of my shopping in one trip per week if possible and we are staying home more or choosing free or cheap fun things over fun things that cost money. I coupon for all of our household, personal, paper, cleaning and laundry supplies, so we pay little to nothing for them, when we combine them with store loyalty programs and rebate apps. We use 4 apps that give rebates on shopping and one is for gas rebates. All of them pay out either to paypal and/or for gift cards. Every penny helps, and it adds up quick. This is our "fun" and "walking" money for the month. It takes time and organization but affords us a cheap date or two a month and money for Christmas gifts.

[@KatieoftheHouse]

This is such a breath of fresh air! I say all the time that we shouldn’t be struggling as much as we are with the money that we bring. I guess I shouldn’t say struggling because I know a lot of people have it so much worse, but I would have thought we’d be thriving and debt free by now 😫 like you said, hopefully it is just a season and won’t last forever. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@lildee4370]

A lot of wisdom and encouragement in your video. I’m 53 and the memories of the energy crisis and the Carter years I observed, even as a child are still imprinted on me. I am grateful to remember my Dad being laid off and all the “side hustles” my parents had to keep us afloat. Dad mowed and did oil changes for neighbors, mom cooked for others and sewed/mended clothes for people. I remember Beans and rice before Dave Ramsey made it cool. Thankful I also remember when those times passed and things got better. I learned lessons that I carry with me today. I offer encouragement to my adult children that this economic situation/bubble will collapse eventually. Study enough history and it’s all cyclical. Loved your words that these circumstances don’t define us! No one is a loser or a failure because of this. It CAN refine us and teach us a few things about ourselves and our habits. We can take the opportunity to pause, learn and change once the crisis passes. Thanks for all you shared. ❤

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Yessss! I was a history major and even just in my own adult life I’ve seen how cyclical things are. Now is not the best period but we went through good periods with amazing opportunities previously. I believe they will come again. Thank you for your comment and wisdom!

[@faustinreeder1075]

I remember when the peanut farmer blew up the economy too. He’s the reason we have a thing called the misery index.

[@ncm2738]

As a highschool student going into community college and prob college, i am absolutely terrified for what happens after graduation.

[@faustinreeder1075]

College is a scam. Don’t waste your time or money. Learn a trade.

[@AmyMichelleMosier]

It won't matter. Jesus is coming soon anyway.

[@Destroyyyahhhhh21]

I keep asking my wife this, I am a financial analyst and she is an accountant and while we are not rich we do alright but we just saw a house sell for 850k down the road, they have two new cars and it’s just like how?! Must be inheritance or something because the costs are just mind boggling

[@socialroachco]

Companies say supply chain issues, rising wages and expensive fuel have forced them to push prices up at the fastest rate in decades. But a lot of these same companies are reporting record profits, and that has many wondering if corporate greed is actually the driving force behind inflation right now.

[@timschultes6467]

But some of these things like fuel prices are self inflicted. We don’t need to be paying 4$ a gallon. When we are energy independent like during the Trump administration the prices can be cut in half. We need to produce our own energy again stop depending on other countries.

[@evilds3261]

If only workers collectively push their asking price up at the fastest rate in decades. Seriously, if we keep accepting stagnant wages, nothing will change, We need to make employers desperate for workers if we are to reverse the reality of workers being desperate for low-paying jobs.

[@angelicab2260]

This is one tip i tell my kids to help live mindful. When shopping think...do i want it or do i need it. Of course once in while u can spoil yourself but make wise choices too.

[@charity7273]

Everything is expensive, I've had to back up a little bit on some of my investing goals. I think one nice thing is, if we hadn't been focused on improving our finances up until now, things could be so much worse (if we still had to pay the debts we paid off or didn't have sinking funds or emergency funds)

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

So true!

[@DoTheDomThing]

Inflation along with price gouging is being super disrespectful right now. I’ve have to increase my baseline budget and adjust my savings goal accordingly. It’s sucks because it’s like even if you do the right things, the finish line gets pushed farther. Persistence along with knowing when and how to pivot is essential right now for sure.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Great comment! Persistence and pivoting are key!

[@lisahaffner3337]

Thank you for the video. I’m sure a lot of us needed to hear this.

[@kentharrisgeorgia]

I work from 3:45 pm - 1:00 am at the GM plant then I work from 4:00 am - 8:00 am at UPS Monday-Saturday. Sundays I do Lyft for 8-9 hours. I thought I was going to catch a break and then I get hit with a $1000 car maintenance bill. Life is getting really too difficult.

[@donnagomez2680]

This is nothing new. It has been happening since the dawn of time. This is why families used to all live together, to save money on bills and have more hands to help with cooking, kids and raising gardens and animals. The #1 easiest way to reduce amount spent on groceries is to make a garden. This can be done even if you live in an apartment or dorm room.

[@RyanKHawkins]

Thank you for this. It's comforting and inspiring.

[@sallywestgard7328]

I’m active duty military living in San Diego, CA. Rent is impossible alone and you are financially forced to have a roommate. It’s terrible! Choosing to go without something so you can put gas in the car to go to work is something that’s real for a lot of military here! Sad!

[@deebow0865]

Ty sooo much for caring enough to make this video. Unfortunately, we’re stuck for some time now with No ending in sight to this inflation crisis. The powers that be have a plan for us and it’s not good. This is only the beginning. Your positive attitude resonates with me.. Thank you again for your display of compassion..God Bless❤

[@abriannageorges3122]

Thank you for this. I needed to hear it. 💛

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

❤️❤️

[@eviegivens7572]

I was just having a conversation about this with a friend last night. It's exhausting and expensive just to even exist! If I can get some debt paid off by the end of the year, at least that is some progress.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Being debt free does help. I feel like we’d be way worse off if we had lots of debt still. But it’s exhausting for sure!

[@nubiamorton1095]

I don’t really feel inflation at all. I think a big part of the reason for that is because I have stuck with the principal to never go into debt, and rather pay for everything upfront with my own money. Cash is king. And pay ahead if you can for a good deal, such as with insurance, just pay the full 6 months at once, and I’m a relatively new driver so car insurance is significantly more expensive for me than most adults. When you do these things you just have less monthly bills to worry about, lots of peace of mind, and it’s almost always mathematically cheaper in the long run. I’m also not obsessed with homeownership like everyone else is, there’s nothing wrong with renting for as long as you need to, even for buying a home cash is still king. When you factor in interest, property taxes, insurance, etc. you save little to nothing by signing a mortgage rather renting and saving to buy a home with cash. While renting you can always hunt for the best deals, I stay in a three bedroom house by myself, imagine if I had someone to split the rent and other bills with, that would make it that much easier. And I’m just a warehouse worker making less than $20 per hour in Durham, North Carolina. So you guys have it better than me in a lot of ways, at least you should. I just spent a ton of money I shouldn’t have on a long vacation across the country, I kinda regret it, but that was just a fraction of my savings so I’ll be alright. As for groceries, I haven’t noticed any significant price changes there either, except in restaurants, maybe it’s because I eat a special diet, mainly carbs and no animal products. If this is a real problem then you guys could change your diets a little to help your budgets, maybe not stop eating meat completely but eat less, don’t make it the center of the meal but rather just a side or a topping. I myself could change some things to save on groceries, and I would if I needed to, such as I would buy dry beans rather than the canned stuff I buy now, and I too should eat out less often. Anyways, yeah not depending on debt helps a lot,and overall just be smarter with your money.

[@noraward4741]

Thank you. I needed to hear this ✌🏻

[@katherinespence2117]

This is one of my fav videos. I like what you said about "maintaining" during these harder times - the important thing is NOT to go backwards and fall back into debt. Lots of folks are right at "maxing out" their various credit lines and will be in a really bad place. 😢 I am so thankful to be 100% debt free. I do still have to save up and pay my homeowners insurance and city/county property taxes and have had less for retirement savings due to variable income. My mentality is STILL every dollar saved counts!

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Yesss!

[@lolomissa]

yep, kids and house have been postponed. im working extra hours as much as possible, becoming known as the OT girl at work. and even after moving away from our ideal city to live in, we're still not able to afford a basic house in an outskirt town of a city we dont even like (45+ min commute to work). tbh, ive given up and we're stashing cash so we can be in a better spot next year (and the years forward). we're focusing on leveling up our careers and have given up on stability and are applying to positions literally anywhere for a higher income ceiling (which will probably require us living separately temporarily and moving cities or states). what you spoke about taking it personally, i totally do. but giving up stability is the only thing we've found that helps us cope and just push us to be moving forward. thanks for this video, wishing you and your family the best! 🙏🙏🙏

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Being flexible is where your careers take you should help a lot… I hope something comes through soon for you! I can’t remember what city you’re in now but it’s tough in most of the major cities. It’s super hard not to take it personally but you’re doing a lot of the right things. I’m proud of you!

[@beaulieuc8910]

kidfree, pet free, kar free, -ouses paid off. I redu-ed e=penses and I am -appy

[@susanhernandez7290]

I have been on just survival mold hoping someday this will end! Thk u I really needed to hear this.

[@sylsuthss]

I think we need to look at how bad it is for other countries outside the US. Things maybe getting tight, but it's still okay. Other countries where inflation is now over 100%, is absolutely ridiculous. So grateful I have been on top of my finances these last few years and remained living below my means as saving for a house deposit. As cost of living as a single person has sure gone up in London, I just cut out the unnecessary spending on clutter and stick to my end goal.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Great point!

[@GodSaveTheClothes]

We’re in the same boat! Our grocery budget is up by 30%

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Sounds about right 😥

[@myday2704]

I'm so saddened to see the mess we are all in now from the over the top unnecessary covid lockdowns and restrictions. These economic problems affect everything from being able to buy healthy fresh food, paying for medical, working too much, bad or insecure housing, debt, declining mental health problems from poverty etc All the covid measures achieved nothing in the end, the virus certainly never got eliminated!

[@elizabethcooper9815]

I appreciate your video. ❤

[@kaywaydiaries8162]

Thank you!

[@elizabethcooper9815]

I am single and 61. I am grateful that I am able to live on my own but I do get a bit frustrated when going to the supermarket. I find myself shopping a 3-4 different stores. You don’t always get a break on cost when you buy less. Most of the time it’s much more. Many blessings to everyone and I feel your advice is good. Take some pressure off of ourselves. When we do that, times start feeling a bit better because we get inspired 💕

[@OneManBandNapier]

Most of the things people say are necessary, most certainly are not. I look at the grocery carts of the people around me, and it's ridiculous. People are just overspending, and want far too much.

[@Emmi_cheetoos2000]

Thanks for sharing. I’m not alone

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Not at all

[@jessicaleibret8772]

I agree this is how I feel it's very stressful. Right now we r just getting by

[@user-tg4hu9ez5g]

I am without job and the jobs that getting back to me are recruiters with jobs offers that don't pay enough and getting food stamp but still not😊 enough as food price are constantly going up.

[@dante340]

I'm 30, working myself sick 70+ hours a week, but I'm still unable to afford kids and a home... so I guess I'm just "lazy and entitled" according to older peoples' standards 🙄

[@sharonblevins9500]

Great video !

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Thanks!

[@dadcochran852]

Every third month wife and i drive to the big city 2 hours away and really stock up on supplies. For a saturday the parking lots of places like target and walmart were fairly empty, but every grocery store was packed with people. I remember when wife and i started out 20 some years ago she bagged groceries and she always came home depressed and dumbfounded. Depressed because she was bagging all this food she wished we could buy, we barely had any food then, and dumbfounded by amount of the country club crowd that paid with food stamps and driving $60k plus automobiles

[@sarahunter7974]

Eating out is a luxury that has been unaffordable for years!

[@donnagomez2680]

I am in a somewhat similar situation. My husband is out of the country taking care of his mom with her medical issues which will require surgery and recovery time. And I am here paying all the bills for the household on my own and will be for the forseeable future. So to stay within budget, I am eating what we have and not going to the grocery. I will do this until every crumb is gone or he comes home, whichever comes first.

[@dullah1434]

I’m 18 years old and I’m living in a 1 bedroom apartment with my mom, dad, and my older brother and sister, and we don’t have enough money to move out in a better home and I feel like I have to give up on the dream of having my own private and personal space, and going deeper in some of my hobbies that require some space :/ there is barely any space in this apartment to get more stuff I like

[@nathanielcarreon5634]

You cant be stupid, not frugal and not smart with your day to day financial and family related decisions in life nowadays just to survive.

[@omegaxenon2670]

Great video! And your handling this so well! The grocery giants understand that everyone needs to eat, so they encourage consuming less processed and manufactured foods. Making small changes like reducing impulse buying can lead to significant savings. Personally, I've adjusted my diet to include more staple foods and steamed veggies, consuming smaller portions overall. In addition to cutting processed foods and driving slower, deferring maintenance and selling personal belongings can help save money. However, there's still a basic human requirement for survival that must be met. While costs are rising, especially in Vancouver and Toronto, the situation isn't as dire in Alberta. Regarding taxes, it's frustrating that they're deducted before we even receive our income (for basic necessities like food), making it difficult to cover basic necessities. Corporate greed exacerbates the problem, with some companies making huge profits while laying off employees. It feels like hardworking individuals striving for a better life are being left behind, and there's little we can do to counteract this trend. Question is: You've mentioned the solutiosn really realy well, being able to absorb financial damage. THe real perpetraitors are the corporations. Where did that statement come from: "you will own nothing and be happy....."

[@IAMTHEANTICHRISTISWEARMAN]

I totally understood when the quote of crying overnight she puts her kid to bed. Ive been so emotional they past month or so life is just kicking me down exhausting lol

[@catinthehat5968]

Somewhat feeling the squeeze. I’m focused on paying off debt right now and thankfully I haven’t had any issues paying my bills every month. Because of the increase in costs, I’ve had to cut back on certain splurges: No more ClassPass, no more random movie nights, impromptu dinners, etc. “Fun” is a little more planned and thought through.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Definitely cutting back on splurges here too!

[@catgodfrey6451]

Great video 😊❤😊

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Thank you!

[@cynthianieto9826]

Amen sister we will make it

[@EricRobertson-vx3lr]

Good advice I agree with what you say. My property tax is going up $100 a month now every month I’m in the hole by $100. I don’t know what to do.

[@victoriastevens9052]

To add to that "lowering expectations" the old folks told me to live below my means 😂

[@nubiacabrera919]

Great video, new subscriber here! I lost my job in 2023 it’s so scary out there! No job prospects and the monthly expenses are high.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Welcome!!

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

So sorry to hear that! I hope things turn around soon!

[@nubiacabrera919]

@@PenniesNotPerfection Thank you so much for this message. I am remaining hopeful.

[@anthonypope2106]

I have decided to live on my sailboat for $350 per month and $600 per year for Insurance. This is not for most, yet I can save 75% or more of my salary. It is the only option I found to save money. I tried sleeping in a $300 monthly office room rental yet got busted. I fear that others will discover this and boat life will become over regulated.

[@timschultes6467]

We need to vote wisely. There is no denying that under Trump we were much better off. Gas was 2.20$ a gallon no inflation because we were energy independent.

[@capitalismisdivisionofevil8322]

The lowest has price I found if you use cash only was $2.94 out in the country. In the cities the lowest I found was $3.08 and it rarely holds.

[@gigilongtime2891]

Roommate, two jobs, side hustles couponing and still pretty screwed living day to day starting to say f it to everything and just worrying about it doesn’t help so just living day to day 🤷🏼‍♀️ almost everyone is feeling it

[@shanada2432]

Before Covid hit my husband took a lower paying job because that company was a less stressful environment and had better work hours. In order for us to maintain we stopped contributing to his 401K which only had a few thousand in it anyway. We are treading water now and if I am honest we have been doing that for most of our 15 year marriage. Now the water in up to our noses and student loans are back!😅 So I have been combing over our money even more now and doing all the editing I can. The plus for us is we moved into a larger house in an affordable (at the time) part of Georgia and we refinanced our mortgage in 2020 to a lower rate so housing is not a very high concern. I am going to get a work form home job to help us through this season. Another blessing is that we have one child (15).

[@MrFriendly789]

i find solution for my problems. when i lost my job, i started taking care of my old relatives and i inherited old house that i exchanged for two new flats on very good location so i have income from tenants. i also sold my shop and deposited money in the bank. my mother also rewarded me with money so, although i don't have a job i feel like lucky winner. The only problem is that is not good to eat so much food. i have a lot of free time and my mother says we should not buy a lotto ticket because we have enough wealth :)

[@moonandmountain]

This is honestly so hard it makes me want to cry sometimes bc idk how I’m gonna keep going. This is the most money I’ve ever made, I have a cheap car, a cheap house, and I am still paycheck to paycheck. It’s so frustrating.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

A lot of us are there too

[@user-kv9jl2hp8b]

Living the life that makes you happy, do want we can 😊❤." love your videos,

[@mommytradertube]

Loved the video Mary. I just made a video talking about inflation (& the rising cost of car issues) is causing us to cut back on investing. Understanding the economy and listening closely to Jerome Powell made me realize we need to focus on saving more so we can maintain our current state of life. With more rising rates coming, things will hurt a bit more for Americans but like you said...adjusting our expectations is a great step in the right direction though it may not feel like it! Like in football, offence (investing) and defense (saving/paying off debt) combined with great coaching (us😊) is what WINS THE GAME!! We can get through this together with open dialog so we know we arent alone. Everyone is feeling touched by inflation! Sry for the long comment but I am a chatty lady! 😂 17:00

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Ohhh yes I need to go watch that! Sounds like we are having similar thoughts… I’d rather cut back on the bigger goals like our house plans than cut our current lifestyle, which is not extravagant but is more expensive now than it was before with rising inflation costs. Loved this comment and I’m adding your video to my watch list now!

[@mommytradertube]

@@PenniesNotPerfection Yep! I just had to replace the alternator on our van for $1,489!!! That's absolutely insane 😳. Price rose almost 30% in 2 years. Inflation is horrible.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Wow that’s crazy! We were worried my last car issue would require a new alternator but luckily it didn’t. But it still cost hundreds to fix on our own last month. It’s all just so much!

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

30% in 2 years is just 🤯

[@Asmrfoodshorts]

It’s really hard. I have a lot of card debt and my husband is the only one providing for our family of 5. We are trying to pay off but it’s hard since he’s the only one working at the moment and I’m a stay at home mom. I am a realtor but I haven’t closed anything at the moment since people are not wanting to buy with these high interest rates. 😢I used to feel alone but I guess many people are going through the same.

[@Speckled_Butterfly7206]

Currently, I know my son & I are living with my mother because of her heart condition. My sister also still lives at home. Currently, we just work together the best we can to tackle each project one at a time all while trying to fix up my mothers home to sell it when the time is right to get into a bigger house in the country. My first step is trying to get each of my cards that I used during school paid off, so that there is less to worry about. But definitely between normal bills, groceries, house repairs, car repairs, etc...there isnt much wiggle room for anything extra. We are trying to downsize and cut back on a bunch and I am trying to supplement where we can to help with daily costs. Just have to try to stay optimistic.🙏🏻

[@elmobolan4274]

20 yrs ago, i lived in an apartment, and l absolutely loved it, but my father kept telling me to buy a house. When I finally did for a few yrs i absolutely hated it, but I was able to pay it off a few yrs ago - now I'm glad i did....

[@omegaxenon2670]

Same goes for shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent etc.!

[@kathyandersen8243]

Im trying my best to feed and take care of our pets. Vet bills are too much.i know how to cook. Simple food.car gas is $5.34 a gal. My husband is bedridden .i do all the care for him.he.s getting better.orayer gets me thru it.akso i enjoy coloring and art.use books help. I worry about heating the home.we just want to make it.❤

[@Bugs11000]

The richest person in the world is the one that needs the least to be happy 😊.

[@iveyhealth2266]

FACTS 💯

[@niknak1015]

That’s only because they are able to deduct the biggest stressor which is affording living. Just knowing that you can afford anything you want really diminishes the need.

[@RashadSims-bh3zz]

Thank you for making this video i just went grocery shopping in dammmm i saw some wings that i wanted but couldn't get it due to the inflation i usually get 2 of everything i like to eat lol whether its wings burgers and fries or just something really good but can't due to prices being so much its like cmon now i use to enjoy going grocery shopping but not so much now prices are ridiculous now its like how much

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I have hated grocery shopping this year. Week to week watching things I buy go up in price with nothing I can do. So frustrating. Our grocery budget is a constant struggle. Sorry you couldn’t get the wings!

[@RashadSims-bh3zz]

@PenniesNotPerfection tbh it's OK especially if you have ebt to but they are bs smh taking there sweet time it's like cmon now times are beyond rough this is worse than the great depression when you really think about it it's like dammmm just when you think you are ahead of everything u put some to the side nope more bills urghhh

[@distinctivemf1918]

Thank you so much. I really thought I was a total loser lately

[@mikahundin]

- The speaker expresses frustration with the current state of affairs, noting, "how are we all affording life right now that is the big question." This reflects the widespread concern over the affordability of essential expenses amidst rising costs. - Despite increased income, the speaker admits to financial struggles, confessing, "we're making more money than ever and we're still struggling." This highlights the disconnect between income levels and the ability to meet basic needs in today's economy. - The impact of inflation on essential expenses like groceries, gas, and housing is emphasized, with the speaker noting, "prices at the grocery store eating out buying gas they're all going up." This underscores the broader economic challenges affecting individuals' daily lives. - The speaker acknowledges the difficult choices many are facing, stating, "some people are not having kids some people are just having to let go of buying a house." This illustrates the sacrifices individuals are making due to financial constraints imposed by the current economic climate. - Amidst these challenges, the speaker advocates for a shift in mindset, suggesting, "right now might be the time where you focus on maintaining where you focus on just being stable." This highlights the importance of prioritizing stability and financial balance over aggressive wealth-building goals during this period of economic uncertainty.

[@msaverielle]

I’m asking the same question.

[@capitalismisdivisionofevil8322]

HOW To Survive: 1. Family members who have great career pay for expenses of broke family member 2. Apply for free $6,400/Month stimulus package 3. Try to hold down a part time job that has crappy pay. 4. Prep to save money to buy raw land and place tiny shed home on it that is self sufficient 5. Live in car ( nomadic homeless) or be street homeless and rely on food pantries and Government agencies to keep you alive.

[@rockynenshati7391]

Currently on step 1 and 5 😆. Curious about step 2, what stimulus package precisely?

[@glynnjohnson3531]

In 1978 I joined a large metropolitan fire department. As a rookie fireman, my salary was S1100.00 per month. Battalion chiefs were paid $3,000.00 per month. Then and there, I made the decision to become a Battalion chief. It took 11 years. By then Battalion chiefs earned $4000.00 per month. Unfortunately, the rising cost of goods and services in those 11 years made the $4000 per moth that I began earning in 1989, no better than the $1000.00 per month that iI earned to pay for things in 1978. The wages you earn, never keeps up with the never rising price of goods and services. Good point, you can’t do everything!

[@user-et8sn3hy8r]

Funny thing, my family is barely surviving. No eating out, no Christmas or birthday presents. Turning off all lights, 5 minute showers. Working 6 days a week. 1 vehicle that we share and it's 10 yrs old. Still not saving anything. Wish you the best. Thanks for the video.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

It's tough and I know a lot of people in your position right now. Fingers crossed for things to change for you guys!

[@bibiblocksberg2081]

I'm sorry it's not a cycle - the US is bankrupt. The US government has printed so much currency without adequate production on the other end that now there is a national debt of more than 33 Trillion USD. Per inhabitant - if you believe the official numbers - that's almost 100 Million USD in debt per person. Not counting private household debt or liabilities like social security. How long do you think that they can continue with this game. And do you think your USD will be worth something by the time you want to retire? Also other countries are playing the same game simultaneously. Devaluating their currencies. But in some countries they are used to living simple lives and not really having enough money - like Italy. In Italy for example take out coffee has never even been a thing. In the US it's going to be hard for people to give up the lifestyles they were used to from decades before. In my opinion the future is that we need to do everything ourselves again. Because we will not be able to afford to pay someone else to do things for us. Anything . Only upper class will be able to get take out coffee for example. I think we have no choice but to buckle down for a bumpy road ahead.

[@rl3810]

Seeing all the people who spent their lives looking down their noses at people who struggle saying things like, "The poor and struggling are just lazy, they must waste money, they must be a whole host of things to be struggling". Now they know it's none of those things. But I do hope these hard times makes those new poors never ever look down on anyone ever again. Also, DO NoT delay paying your student loans unless you want a lifetime.of pure h*ll. You will be garnished and penalized severely. If you think it's bad now, it will be 1,000 times worse if you refuse to pay your school debts. It's sucks. It took me 12 years to pay mine off. My tax dollars shouldn't pay for your education. You did that, no one else.

[@iveyhealth2266]

FACTS💯 Maybe they needed a slice of humble pie.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Too many people think they succeed financially because of their own efforts rather than acknowledging luck, timing, privilege and financial assistance (from family or other sources). It’s not a level playing field and many don’t even see that until times are tough for everyone. Unfortunately even those doing well are usually a job loss and one medical issue away from bankruptcy in the US but it’s hard to admit that.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Agreed on student loans! I’ve seen too many people saying they won’t pay them but the government can and will garnish wages to get their money back!

[@BelieverJohn72]

I'm a 51 year old man in SW Florida, can't get 2 jobs due to health, but am denied disability, any kind of financial assistance, even food stamps yet (not being racist here) other races get it all and do better than me. I make 16k a year and pay rent, 45 month phone bill, car insurance, med ins, gas and buy my food not a red cent left for anything and am now being priced out of existence. I've cut expenses so far down I can't go anymore, and am going to have to forget about all bills, get 6 months car insurance and live in my car. I'll have to eat out of dumpsters or beg for food there's just no other option for me.

[@errolsimon4887]

When prices go up they typically don’t go back down. This is our new reality. I just rolled back on everything that I was doing . I eat like I’m poor and I don’t go out as much

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Truth

[@RandyChatter]

the price of groceries is like 3 times what it used to be, yet Mercedes Benz's with tinted windows line the streets of Philly. A Benz is supposed to mean you're rich, but tinted windows scream poor. these idiots are borrowing money they'll never have!!!!!

[@BoiNatty]

My wife and I make $180k and own a house in northern Santa Barbara county at 6% interest $550k mini dream home. Things were fine up until 3ish months ago and the squeeze became more and more noticeable. Now all luxuries other than one wine membership is gone including even eating out at wingstop (not luxury but here we are). We cut all eating out other than McDonald value menu in a pinch which we have done maybe 8 times in the past 3 months and those meals were total $15 or cheaper. It’s wild think I make $111k and it’s been a dream since high school to make 6 figures and now it’s not much at all. We own used corollas as well that we make payments on mine was $20k so not like I have a $45k lifted truck etc. not sure how people are making it.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Same timeline! It really feels like in the past three months exactly things have been much higher and even with good incomes things are tighter. The jump has felt drastic.

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

Subscribed

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Welcome

[@nutritionallee9351]

I have been on the debt free journey for a little over a year now and I feel I’m not making much progress AND my student loan payments start back next month. 😩 definitely surviving.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I’m really worried about people with student loans starting back next month. It’s a totally different financial scenario from when they were paused and not in a good way.

[@Qmtv666]

I’m planning to go back to Asia. California is way too much to live in 😢

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

You’re not the only one! California is a tough place to make things work!

[@Qmtv666]

@@PenniesNotPerfection any advice? I was planning to be a fisherman and a tour guide too.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

For living in Asia? None from me! I have friends that have done it but it's one part of the world I haven't visited yet.