When Life Gets Harder Because Income Is Never Enough

@indahwow (160)
Indonesia
August 26, 2026 7:18pm CST
Have you ever felt like life is getting more difficult, not because you are asking for too much, but because your income simply cannot keep up with your needs? Sometimes, we work hard, try to be responsible, and carefully manage our money. But somehow, the expenses keep increasing. Food becomes more expensive, bills keep coming, transportation costs more, and there are always unexpected things that need to be paid for. The hardest part is when your income stays almost the same while the cost of living continues to rise. You may want to save money, enjoy a simple weekend, or buy something you need, but you have to think twice because there are more important expenses waiting. I think this kind of situation can be mentally exhausting too. It's not only about having less money. It's about constantly calculating what you can afford, postponing things you need, and sometimes feeling guilty for spending money even on yourself. Some people say, "Just earn more money." But is it really that simple? Not everyone has the opportunity to take a second job, start a business, or work overtime. Sometimes we are already doing everything we can. So I'm curious: Do you also feel that life has become harder because your income doesn't match the rising cost of living? How do you manage your finances when your monthly income is barely enough for your basic needs? Do you prioritize saving, reduce your lifestyle, find additional income, or simply try to get through each month? I'd love to hear your experiences and how you deal with this situation.
4 people like this
5 responses
• Philippines
27 Aug
God always provides, and He always do. I just pray and trust God, and He never failed me.
2 people like this
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
3 Sep
That's beautiful. I think sometimes when life gets really difficult, all we can do is keep trying, keep praying, and trust that God knows what we need. I've had moments when I worried so much about how things would work out, and somehow a way always came along. It may not happen exactly when I want it to, but looking back, I can see that God never really left me without a way forward. Faith doesn't always make the problems disappear, but it gives us the strength to keep going.
@xstitcher (40534)
• Petaluma, California
7 Sep
Amen. He has never failed me, either.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (51823)
• India
5 Sep
A time was when our family's financial condition was very precarious. Ours is a small family' - my mother, my father and myself. One more member was added when Ai got married last year. My sisters are married . I was working in a small company. But I always want to have a small business of my own. Two years ago I started a small grocery store at my own house. Now our financial condition is more stronger. My parents are above 80, but they are fit and have no problems.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (51823)
• India
9 Sep
@indahwow It has made a great difference. Now I'm earning thrice or five times my salary as a job holder two years back. Now I'm my own boss.This is what I always wanted.
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
9 Sep
That’s really nice to hear! It sounds like your little grocery store has made a big difference for your family. I’m glad things are more stable now, and even better that your parents are still healthy and fit.
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (20174)
• Indonesia
7 Sep
The question that arises is: if everyone becomes a merchant, then who will do the buying? The economy needs to keep moving; I notice merchants are everywhere—to the point where they cause traffic jams.
1 person likes this
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
9 Sep
Yes, you are right. There are so many merchants that the competition is extremely fierce. Those who cannot survive will only lose their capital and make matters worse.
1 person likes this
@nawala123 (24499)
• Indonesia
5 Sep
Yeah that is a common issue in Indonesia. Low salary but high spending because of the rocketing living cost. It is indeed horrible
1 person likes this
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
5 Sep
Yeah, exactly. The cost of living in Indonesia keeps going up, but incomes aren't rising. Even office workers are selling food and other stuff to make extra cash. So now, there are actually more sellers than buyers.
1 person likes this
@nawala123 (24499)
• Indonesia
5 Sep
@indahwow all is selling food in Indonesia to make extra money
1 person likes this
@Wrexxo (9873)
•
27 Aug
Well, I'm in that situation and honestly, it's exhausting. I always look for other sources of income and I also trust God
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
3 Sep
I know what you mean. It really is exhausting when you keep trying to find extra income just to make ends meet. I think sometimes we can only do our best and leave the rest to God. I also believe that having faith helps us keep going when things don't seem to make sense financially. Hopefully, all our efforts will eventually lead to better days. What kind of side income have you found that works for you?
1 person likes this
@indahwow (160)
• Indonesia
5 Sep
@Wrexxo Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes you try different side jobs, but the money you make from them is still not enough to really help. It can be frustrating when you put in the extra effort and barely see a difference. I guess we just have to keep trying and trust God that something better will come along.
1 person likes this
@Wrexxo (9873)
•
3 Sep
@indahwow the side incomes are not paying well
1 person likes this