10 Ways to Cope With Inflation

To do this, one financial advisor recommends comparing how much you spent on the same things in the first 4 months of 2021, vs. what you spent in the first 4 months of 2022. Because we all have unique lives and circumstances, inflation affects everyone differently. And doing this will give you a really clear idea of whether you're spending significantly more of your hard-earned dollars.

Once you're crystal clear on how inflation is affecting you, it's time to take a look at your entire monthly budget. What is your post-tax income each month, and how has that changed in comparison to your expenses? If you're spending significantly more on the same things but are still earning the same amount, you'll definitely benefit from sitting down and building out a personal finance budget.

Whether it's trimming unnecessary services from your cell phone plan (i.e. if you have wifi at home and work, you may not needunlimited data on your phone), cutting back on streaming services, evaluating any recurring subscriptions, or negotiating a better home or car insurance rate, there are steps you can take today to reduce your monthly expenses.  Need more inspiration? Check out our sustainable living tips.

According to a report compiled by waste management consulting firm RTS, American households throw away an average of $1,600 a year in produce. One way to combat this is by planning out your meals. That might mean sitting down and mapping out each meal based on your schedule, prepping up ingredients, or cooking big batches every few days. For more ideas, check out our tips on how to reduce waste.

Another great way to save money at the grocery store checkout (andhelp the environment) is to shop at stores that sell dry ingredients in bulk. Because you can control the amount of things that you purchase right down to the ounce, you'll be able to get exactly what you need. And typically, bulk items come with a cheaper price tag than prepackaged ones do. To save even more, consider joining a food buying club (or starting one)!

From Craigslist to Poshmark, and from Facebook Marketplace to eBay, there are a wealth of online marketplaces where you can buy and sell gently used goods. From like new furniture, to clothing, tools, and more, you can find just about anything you need at a discount. Just make sure to do your research to ensure that you're getting the best deal, and meet up in "safe trade" or "safe online exchange" locations (many police stations offer designated areas for this).

As mentioned above, there's no shortage of online marketplaces where you can sell your stuff. But have you thought of rentingit? If not, we recommend taking stock of your home and belongings (and your insurance policy!), because there might be more equity there than you'd think. Your car, RV, spare bedroom (or whole home), outdoor gear, parking space, or even swimming pool can all be rented through secure online platforms. 

Everyone's circumstances are different, but if you have the time and space in your life to take on a side hustle, then now is the perfect time. Think about what unique skills you have, and put em' to use! This could mean pet sitting in your home or theirs, offering your professional skills via freelance work, tutoring students of all ages in anything from guitar to creative writing or financial literacy, signing on with a ride share service, and more!

At risk of sounding like a broken record, a great way to help your budget and the planet (and your health!) is by adopting a more sustainable diet and eating more home-cooked vegetarian meals. Meat and fake meat products come with an inflated price tag, but versatile vegetarian staples like tofu, tempeh and canned or dried beans are a simple way to incorporate cheap, plant-based proteins into your diet. And with a cornucopia of recipes, guides, and more, it's easier than ever to prepare plant-based meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious. 

One resource that is highly underutilized? Credit card rewards programs! Take a look at your contract, because you might be missing out on cash back incentives, frequent flier miles, exclusive deals, and more. If you don't have a credit card, or are already taking full advantage of your benefits, there are other programs out there to take advantage of, including coupon codes and cashback portals that can help you stretch your hard-earned dollars a bit farther.