Question of the Day- How Are You Dealing With Higher Prices?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35068)
November 13, 2021 11:01am CST
Have you noticed the prices of most things have been increasing lately? Items like food, used cars, gas, appliances, and furniture have become victims of inflation. The "sticker shock" is enough to make buying even necessities a real downer 
If you're feeling the inflation pinch like I am, these tips may help in alleviating the pain in your checking account.
-When I go to the grocery store, I check those little price tags which provide very useful information about the cost per unit of what I'm buying. It breaks down the price per ounce or whatever the quantity might be, so you can compare similar products for the "best deal."
-I have started to buy grocery products in bulk when they are on sale. Something I've rarely done in the past, but over months, I've found you save money on your purchases. And if it is an item which is not always in stock, (a definite possibility these days), you'll be glad you have it.
-With gas prices going sky high I use a site called "Gas Buddy" to help me find the lowest cost for fuel in my area. I've noticed some gas stations might charge as much as 10 cents more per gallon, and that's a lot when you're filling your tank.
-Buying Christmas gifts might be a tricky situation this year with the supply crisis. A good idea is to have a backup choice for presents in case you can't find your first choice in stock. Or buy everyone a gift card like I do, just kidding, 
Anyway, that's all the tips I can think of, hope they help...
How are you adjusting to the higher costs? What are you doing if anything to take the bite out of inflation? Do you believe the inflation is temporary and will end soon? What's your prediction for rising costs in the year ahead?
If you're feeling the inflation pinch like I am, these tips may help in alleviating the pain in your checking account.
-When I go to the grocery store, I check those little price tags which provide very useful information about the cost per unit of what I'm buying. It breaks down the price per ounce or whatever the quantity might be, so you can compare similar products for the "best deal."
-I have started to buy grocery products in bulk when they are on sale. Something I've rarely done in the past, but over months, I've found you save money on your purchases. And if it is an item which is not always in stock, (a definite possibility these days), you'll be glad you have it.
-With gas prices going sky high I use a site called "Gas Buddy" to help me find the lowest cost for fuel in my area. I've noticed some gas stations might charge as much as 10 cents more per gallon, and that's a lot when you're filling your tank.
-Buying Christmas gifts might be a tricky situation this year with the supply crisis. A good idea is to have a backup choice for presents in case you can't find your first choice in stock. Or buy everyone a gift card like I do, just kidding,
Anyway, that's all the tips I can think of, hope they help...
How are you adjusting to the higher costs? What are you doing if anything to take the bite out of inflation? Do you believe the inflation is temporary and will end soon? What's your prediction for rising costs in the year ahead?15 people like this
15 responses
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
Well said... Our President and his administration has lied to us about ending oil production. As he famously said, we will gradually phase it out. Well, now that he ended the flow of gas through our pipelines we have become dependent on foreign oil resulting in some states paying up to $5 a gallon for gas. No more leisure drives for me. Have you changed any of your spending habits due to higher prices Carol? I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
4 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 Yes many things have changed and for no reason. We are given no explanations. Things need to change real soon before our country has fallen apart.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (88703)
• Arvada, Colorado
13 Nov 21
Somehow I am not noticing price rises, but I live so minimally, that may be why.
I have no car so no cost there.
Rarely have to take transport at all.
I eat like a bird, my son does not eat much either.
We wear our clothes til they are literally falling off.
No buying of unnecessary items, though my son did purchase a television for his room and promptly returned it as it was not what they claimed.
So all in all, I suppose the higher prices have not shown themselves to me yet, as of yet.
My main expense is rent and that is way too high as the place here is run by slumlords who fix nothing.
So the utilities are not too bad for me here so far, we shall see.
I hope you will be able to get through the price rises DB.
4 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (88703)
• Arvada, Colorado
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 This administration is a disgrace I agree.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (88703)
• Arvada, Colorado
19 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 And I read a while ago, the Medicare premiums have gone up around $30 or more for people. Give with one hand, take with the other. That is how it goes yes.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
Well, in time you may not be able to escape the higher costs if the administration does not change their thinking. Businesses will always pass on their increased costs to the customer as you have found out with your rent. Unfortunately, if that landlord has to pay more for his food and gas and cost of living, guess who he will pass that cost onto so he does not go without? YOU! In the form of another rent increase. So this is something to worry about.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (65839)
• United States
13 Nov 21
How am I handling it? Pretty much the way Mary Tyler Moore did in the opening credits of the show…with a “holy cow, it went up again?” look on my face as I toss it into the basket.
Mary Richards-Mary Tyler MooreLou Grant-Ed AsnerRhoda Morgenstern-Valerie HarperMurray-Gavin MacLeodTed Baxter-Ted KnightBess-Lisa GerritsenGeorgette Frankli...
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
As a huge MTM fan (never missed a show) I remember that scene well. That series had it's heyday in the 70's a period of high inflation and the main reason Jimmy Carter would not get re-elected. It's a shame we are going retro again due to some bone-headed decisions again. But hey, I can always watch a rerun of Mary to cheer me up until I can't afford cable 
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
Yes, that is what I am doing too.
Some examples:
I've cut down on any leisure driving and try to accomplish multiple chores in one car trip.
I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
I've put off minor home repairs for now.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67094)
• United States
13 Nov 21
Fine really. Part of living and buying things. 
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
I wouldn't quite put it that way myself... I'm sure prices going up is no issue for the wealthy who can afford to buy $5 gas and pay $50 more for groceries to feed their family. But for those on fixed incomes like seniors or those earning a minimum wage it actually is a big deal.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse. Your lucky it will not affect you 
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67094)
• United States
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 I'm definitely not wealthy, lmao. Very low income. Always have been. But still feel as I said. 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
@Courtlynn I see. Well, if this trend continues you may have to adjust what you buy and your spending habits. Hopefully, that does not happen to you and others on a low income.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (171927)
• United States
14 Nov 21
Thanks for the tips. We are just biting the bullet and paying the higher prices.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (171927)
• United States
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 We buy a lot of store brands.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
20 Nov 21
@LindaOHio Some actually taste as good as the fancy brands.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
Hope you can continue to do that Linda. I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse. Do you think if things continue you will change?
Some things I have done are:
I've cut down on any leisure driving and try to accomplish multiple chores in one car trip.
I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
I've put off minor home repairs for now.
2 people like this
@kanuck1 (4434)
•
18 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 I always try to get the most for my dollar by checking the specials of the week and shopping accordingly. So far I'm not experiencing any problems but who knows what tomorrow may bring.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
I totally agree with your opinion. Large business will not let the current situation affect their profit. They will pass on the cost to us. Decisions made by our leadership in the U.S. has contributed greatly to this problem in addition to Covid. Things will only get worse until policies are changed.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.
Have you decided to change some of your spending habits Ken to combat rising prices?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
19 Nov 21
@kanuck1 Yes, coupon clipping and looking at the store circular for specials is an excellent way to stretch your dollars
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112387)
• El Paso, Texas
18 Nov 21
Good grief, I know I wrote a response to this but it seems to have disappeared.
I just keep doing what I've been doing and praying they'll up the cost of living percentage they promised .... they always wait til January to give that but it's now that I could really use it.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
19 Nov 21
Yes, it definitely will be needed rebelann. The bad news is the increase will probably not keep up with the increase in prices causing that raise to be wiped out purchasing everyday goods.
Hopefully, the price of dog food will remain the same
Hopefully, the price of dog food will remain the same 1 person likes this
@jstory07 (137893)
• Roseburg, Oregon
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 We check prices and and do not buy anything that we do not need.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
If fuel prices go down prices will eventually follow. Stores are passing these costs onto us due to transportation issues, no one working because they are receiving stimulus checks and government policy which has shut down oil production. These issues could be corrected and hopefully will be with a change in leadership.
For now though this will not happen. And many American agree. I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.
Have you done anything to save on rising costs Judy?
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (467835)
• Switzerland
14 Nov 21
I always checked the price per unit or better for kilo as it is noted here.
I also check how long is a roll of kitchen foil. I have seen it on sale in a store $1 16 meters... well the regular price of Aldi is $1.75, but it is for 75 meters, which is the less expensive?
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (467835)
• Switzerland
16 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 So many people only check the price.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41152)
• United States
14 Nov 21
We live about ten miles from our closest small town where we shop, so we try to combine trips and not drive there if unnecessary. We're freezing even more venison this year which helps with the cost of meat. More aware of heating expenses and not buying a lot of things that we don't really need.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41152)
• United States
17 Nov 21
@dgobucks226 Unfortunately, inflation most likely will get worse.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
Those are some very good ways to cut down on costs I have also combined chores when having to drive and try to limit the number of trips I take. Freezing items for future eating is a smart way to save. I've already noticed meat prices rising!
I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
I've put off minor home repairs for now.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.
I have also combined chores when having to drive and try to limit the number of trips I take. Freezing items for future eating is a smart way to save. I've already noticed meat prices rising!
I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
I've put off minor home repairs for now.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.1 person likes this
@jiangjuno (98)
•
14 Nov 21
Higher prices, wow, it was one of the thing that one cannot avoided. To endure the high prices of every commodity. And this is one of the reason why I keep on searching additional means. To cope up in every expenses and savings that need to be addressed.
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
16 Nov 21
I agree.
Some things I've begun to do are:
I've cut down on any leisure driving and try to accomplish multiple chores in one car trip.
I've gone without buying certain food items and have substituted other choices like the store brand instead.
I've put off minor home repairs for now.
I saw a survey which says 78% in the U.S. thinks inflation will only get worse.
@thehazelsister (417)
• Sidoarjo, Indonesia
21 Apr 22
I was thinking of eating less, but that'll only be possible if I live alone. My parents and sister won't be happy to know this idea. So far I switch to cheaper brands to deal with the higher prices, except for some stuff that have no alternatives like gas. This issue has caused me headache since I'm the one and only breadwinner in this house, honestly.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
22 Apr 22
I understand. Buying cheaper brands is a smart idea which I have also done with certain items. I will also buy more quantities of items which go on sale.
@mom210 (9121)
• United States
21 Nov 21
we have added another bean night to the menu, I have also added a "water night" when we drink water instead of milk. I do not want to cut the milk to much, I have younger children and they need healthy bones. I dropped the comprehensive on my insurance. So far that keeps me within budget but not sure how long before I have to adjust again.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35068)
•
24 Nov 21
I can understand. We do what we must to cut corners with prices rising don't we. So far, my car insurance has not increased but medical coverage has. Gas prices have gone up so much now no more leisure drives for me. I also buy the store brand on certain items instead of more popular brands.
