31 October 2022 |
The word “inflation” is currently on everyone’s lips.
The basic definition of inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and services over time. This is what makes the cost of a house, a car or a litre of milk in 1950 a fraction of what it is today. Problems arise when inflation rises too quickly, and that’s what we’re experiencing right now.
While the causes of rising inflation may sometimes lie in complex factors affecting the balance of supply and demand, the main consequence for the general public is quite simple: everything costs more. Everything costs more, but wages are not rising at the same rate. For people who are already in a precarious economic situation, this is a catastrophe.
Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to adjust to rising inflation. Here are a few to help you counter the effects of inflation.
Adjust your grocery budget
With inflation, it’s usually all your bills that go up in price. If you can’t do much about your rent or mortgage, your grocery bill can be adjusted.
Of course, the cost of food also goes up. With less money in your pocket and food costing more, you need to redouble your efforts.
First, take a close look at your eating habits to eliminate waste altogether. Concentrate on good-quality food that keeps you well. This way, you can buy in bulk and save on unit costs.
Keep an eye on grocery store sales and reduce your consumption of animal products. And make sure you eat seasonal foods when they’re cheaper.
There are also programs and apps that allow you to get food on a quick sale at reduced prices.
Delay major expenses
Fortunately, in the long term, the global economy always rebalances itself. If you have a significant expense to make, such as a car or household appliance, try as much as possible to wait for the wave to recede.
And avoid compulsive buying! It’s a good habit to get into anyway and becomes absolutely necessary when inflation is at its peak.
Adjust investments
Some investments will be more affected by inflation than others. Be sure to adjust them as necessary, relying on the advice of your financial planner. For example, gold is recognized as one of the most stable investments in times of inflation.
Reduce fuel consumption
As we all know, the price of gasoline is often a driving force behind soaring inflation. If you can’t stop using your car altogether, try diversifying the way you get around. For example, you could take up active transportation a few times a week.
Also, think about planning your errands and trips more carefully to avoid using your car every day. If you can group your errands in the same neighbourhood, you’ll save significantly on gas.
Pay off your debts
When you’re getting less for your money, the last thing you want is for your pennies to go toward your debts! So it’s even more time to pay them off as quickly as possible.
Make sure you find a solution that works for you and that’s adapted to your current financial climate.
Use your point cards
If you’ve got a whole collection of points cards in your wallet, now’s the time to put them to good use! You might be surprised at some of the things you can buy with those points that will save you money on some of your bills.
Have you received gift cards? Now’s the time to use them too! If you have gift cards from stores you don’t like, you can be sure that some people will be willing to buy them. There’s also nothing to stop you from buying something that will be easy to resell later.
Reduce non-essential expenses as much as possible
Unfortunately, it is necessary to cut expenses as much as possible in times of inflation. Anything unnecessary will have to wait! Reduce your outings as much as possible and avoid buying clothes or shoes.
Also, consider reviewing monthly expenses such as subscriptions to broadcasting services or newspapers and magazines. You don’t have to stop everything, but make sure you’re not spending money on a magazine you never read.
Enjoy free entertainment
There’s plenty of entertainment you don’t have to pay a penny for! Take advantage of sunny days to go for a walk in the park, or add the next free day at a museum to your agenda.
Go back to your childhood and visit the library instead of the bookshop! You can also borrow electronic and audiobooks free of charge from the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, even if you live hundreds of kilometres from the city.
Stop wastage
It’s something to do at any time, but even more so during inflation! We’ve already spoken briefly about food waste, but waste doesn’t stop at your fridge. Any item you throw away before its end-of-life, whether clothing, electrical appliances or beauty products, represents money lost.
Convert unworn T-shirts into cleaning cloths. Combine shampoo bottoms in the same bottle. Use your makeup to the very end. Your creativity is the only limit to what you can do to avoid waste.
Finally, rising inflation is a reality that affects us all and comes back sporadically. Tips and tricks for dealing with it are also good tips for saving whether you have a big-ticket project or significant debts to pay off. Moreover, although things will eventually return to normal, there will be other periods of inflation. Preparing an emergency fund would be a wise decision.