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

Рет қаралды 26,611

Күн бұрын

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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Пікірлер: 419

@Surviving_But_Thriving 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Ooohhhh yesss that is interesting

@Rosie82333 2 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@lordprotector3367 2 ай бұрын

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

@blackdong4footwangnosucky 2 ай бұрын

Co2 tax

@lisar901 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Luckyy!

@CompaGuitarra 8 ай бұрын

Very nice! So happy for you.

@cherylT321 3 ай бұрын

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!

@AK_AF_LB 3 ай бұрын

😢 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.

@breeb803 10 ай бұрын

We aren't. We're just surviving.

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

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

@breeb803 10 ай бұрын

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

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@missalwaysfortunate 10 ай бұрын

💯

@mirandamenard3616 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

I'm proud of you

@philosopherprince339 2 ай бұрын

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

@YazWhyNY 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@YazWhyNY 10 ай бұрын

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

@lordvader6378 Ай бұрын

100k is loads

@NobodySpecial509 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@mystico21p 10 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Not feasable.

@matthewcaldwell8100 7 ай бұрын

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

@miriamthompson4661 5 ай бұрын

Good for you..be safe

@EnnVee959 3 ай бұрын

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

@Bleachdemon88 Ай бұрын

I hope you didn’t work for Yellow

@idunawow 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@MechAdv 7 ай бұрын

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

@christinejunk8184 4 ай бұрын

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.

@amythompson7700 23 күн бұрын

You hit the nail on the head about cooking for entertainment. This has been my strategy forever!

@MayavatiBanerjee 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

A global reset for the upper 1%

@eurekaelephant2714 8 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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.

@alex_la_fantastica1632 10 ай бұрын

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 😫

@megan0123456 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@jayocean4724 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@michaelcrandall358 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

Same.

@coopsahoy8563 9 күн бұрын

I’m the same way. I’ve also started skipping two out of three meals a day to save on food

@mybdayis420 10 ай бұрын

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

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

Hard not impossible is a great way to explain it.

@TonyTheTiger1000 9 ай бұрын

I know its fucking BS

@KatieoftheHouse 10 ай бұрын

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! ❤

@socialroachco 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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.

@simplyComplicatedLife 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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!

@ebonylewis1680 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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.

@catelinrussin8206 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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

@lisahaffner3337 10 ай бұрын

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

@lildee4370 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 4 ай бұрын

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

@ncm2738 9 ай бұрын

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

@faustinreeder1075 4 ай бұрын

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

@AmyMichelleMosier Ай бұрын

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

@qq1651 10 ай бұрын

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.

@abriannageorges3122 10 ай бұрын

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

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

❤️❤️

@moonandmountain 2 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

A lot of us are there too

@charity7273 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

So true!

@user-xu2bh6fw4p Күн бұрын

Cost of living is effecting everyone seniors can't hardly eat ,family are struggling harder than ever before .you have got to be strong putting god first in your struggle to servive.God bless.

@deebow0865 6 ай бұрын

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❤

@RyanKHawkins 9 ай бұрын

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

@nubiamorton1095 3 ай бұрын

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.

@alydiahoward8978 17 күн бұрын

“It won’t last forever.” Love that ❤

@katherinespence2117 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Yesss!

@noraward4741 10 ай бұрын

Thank you. I needed to hear this ✌🏻

@sallywestgard7328 7 ай бұрын

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!

@Bleachdemon88 Ай бұрын

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

@futurefantastic 5 ай бұрын

Sometimes listening to Dave Ramsey can make you feel irresponsible and bad about yourself when you are trying so hard. Do not let these type of shows make you feel like a loser

@PenniesNotPerfection 5 ай бұрын

I agree! Those shows work for certain people but many feel worse after and the shame and guilt doesn’t really change anything financially.

@eviegivens7572 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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!

@lolomissa 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@sylsuthss 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Great point!

@susanhernandez7290 10 ай бұрын

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

@dante340 3 ай бұрын

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 🙄

@elizabethcooper9815 5 ай бұрын

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 💕

@HesJustaPoorBoyNobodylovesHim 9 ай бұрын

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

@Emmi_cheetoos2000 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I’m not alone

@PenniesNotPerfection 9 ай бұрын

Not at all

@dullah1434 8 ай бұрын

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

@elizabethcooper9815 5 ай бұрын

I appreciate your video. ❤

@GodSaveTheClothes 10 ай бұрын

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

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

Sounds about right 😥

@angelicab2260 2 ай бұрын

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.

@kentharrisgeorgia 2 ай бұрын

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.

@jessicaleibret8772 10 ай бұрын

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

@donnagomez2680 7 ай бұрын

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.

@TheNanoNinja Ай бұрын

People use to live in caves. So what is your point?

@donnagomez2680 7 ай бұрын

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.

@kaywaydiaries8162 Ай бұрын

Thank you!

@dadcochran852 8 ай бұрын

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

@user-tg4hu9ez5g 9 ай бұрын

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.

@myday2704 8 ай бұрын

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!

@sharonblevins9500 10 ай бұрын

Great video !

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@nubiacabrera919 6 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

Welcome!!

@PenniesNotPerfection 6 ай бұрын

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

@nubiacabrera919 6 ай бұрын

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

@rbfarrell1 9 сағат бұрын

All the single guys I know including myself are doing fine. We knew we would have to support ours selves so we always live within our means and invest.

@omegaxenon2670 4 ай бұрын

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....."

@UsurpersAndAssassins 7 ай бұрын

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.

@Jacob1611. 8 ай бұрын

The most valuable lesson, money does buy happiness, money is everything.

@capitalismisdivisionofevil8322 8 ай бұрын

Money has no value. Pay is too low.

@mysteryworld8170 7 ай бұрын

Money runs out. It dosn't last forever. Unforseen war ect.

@RashadSims-bh3zz 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

@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

@DoTheDomThing 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Great comment! Persistence and pivoting are key!

@Speckled_Butterfly7206 5 ай бұрын

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.🙏🏻

@EricRobertson-vx3lr Ай бұрын

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.

@catgodfrey6451 10 ай бұрын

Great video 😊❤😊

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@user-kv9jl2hp8b 7 ай бұрын

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

@cynthianieto9826 10 ай бұрын

Amen sister we will make it

@shanada2432 9 ай бұрын

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).

@errolsimon4887 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Truth

@AP-eu5mx Ай бұрын

It took 25 years from the great depression to get to a point of recovery so this could last for a very long time .

@nselleck0309 2 күн бұрын

You said it. And nobody I know isnt making it ! Real talk.

@distinctivemf1918 10 ай бұрын

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

@mommytradertube 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

@@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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

30% in 2 years is just 🤯

@elmobolan4274 6 ай бұрын

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....

@CBT5777 6 күн бұрын

Even after I bought a house back in 2013, I never really felt like I owned it. I sold it and moved back in with my mom. Life is so much easier. Not alone anymore.

@victoriastevens9052 Ай бұрын

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

@nutritionallee9351 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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.

@omegaxenon2670 4 ай бұрын

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

@JTDyer21 9 ай бұрын

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

@PrettyBlackChosen 9 ай бұрын

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

@Asmrfoodshorts 6 ай бұрын

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.

@naturalbeauty8901 10 ай бұрын

I’m definitely feeling the struggle and I’m currently in debt still I’m just trying to find different ways to save more money. I’m just ready for this inflation to be over.

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

I think we all are. We will get through it!

@naturalbeauty8901 10 ай бұрын

@@PenniesNotPerfection yes we definitely will

@catinthehat5968 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

Definitely cutting back on splurges here too!

@Bugs11000 10 ай бұрын

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

@iveyhealth2266 10 ай бұрын

FACTS 💯

@niknak1015 Ай бұрын

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.

@TheNanoNinja Ай бұрын

Wants and Needs are not the same thing. You need food, water, shelter and warmth. You also have to consider minimal limits in society.

@timschultes6467 9 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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.

@stephendubuque4429 4 ай бұрын

I like how she says for now like things are going to go down and wages will go up sorry not going to happen any time soon or ever

@PenniesNotPerfection 4 ай бұрын

Probably not but I like to stay optimistic. 🤷🏻‍♀️

@ileanacardona2248 10 ай бұрын

Dang it, Mary. I was having this conversation with my husband just last night. 😢

@PenniesNotPerfection 10 ай бұрын

It’s one my husband and I have had too many times.

@user-et8sn3hy8r 4 ай бұрын

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 4 ай бұрын

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

@autobotdiva9268 7 ай бұрын

we have a pop up produce monthly, no requirements and i was THERE!

@PenniesNotPerfection 7 ай бұрын

Oh that's cool!

@nathanielcarreon5634 6 ай бұрын

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.

@glynnjohnson3531 3 ай бұрын

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!

@Jjcordova09 9 ай бұрын

I am bitterly happy that I am not the only one. I am make g the most I ever made and feel like I am worst off then I have ever been.

@PenniesNotPerfection 9 ай бұрын

You are not alone!

@msaverielle 3 ай бұрын

I’m asking the same question.

@eurekaelephant2714 8 ай бұрын

Hi. I am an Australian single parent, living in Australia. Just wanted to say thankyou for your heart in reducing the isolation people may feel in this. We definately are not alone in this. In Australia, people are struggling. We have just had our 13th successive mortgage interest rate rise. People cannot afford their mortgages. Rents are very expensive. Groceries are very expensive. If you lose your rental, people have nowhere to live as they might be competing with 80 other applicants. There is a housing shortfall. Consequently some people are living in tents or in their cars, some of whom are working but have nowhere to live available. As a single mum (aged 48), who has been struggling for a long time - pre covid days - Ive found that living a simple life is best for survival. I have had to put my car off the road. I dont spend money on new clothes. I was given a vision 4 years ago to start learning how to create my own soil and to grow my own food. So thats what I did, but that food only supplements out diet, but it is definitely handy. If you have access to leaves, grass clippings, etc etc, you can make your own soil. You all are definately not alone and do you best to survive and support each other, like you are doing here.

@PhamGiaBao-zu3gz 8 ай бұрын

we are from vietnam. recently my sister went to australia to work for 2-3 years hopefully to save up a lot of money then return to Vietnam. Although the salary is much higher than in Vietnam, the cost of living is also much higher... her rent is already 125AUD per week 😢 (she lives near sydney) if you live in australia could you please suggest me a place where there are a lot of job opportunities but has a lower cost of living? i think she might end up in debt if she keep living in sydney, let alone saving up any money.

@myday2704 8 ай бұрын

@@PhamGiaBao-zu3gzHonestly you are probably better off to stay in Vietnam. Australia is in crisis. There are no rentals anywhere since covid a lot of people moved to small cities which pushed rental prices up. The cities are currently being filled with a huge number of immigrants coming in daily with nowhere to live. You could end up living in a hotel, a car or a tent. There is no better life in Australia anymore sadly.