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

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.

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SAVE YOUR MONEY

INVEST & EARN MONEY

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CONTACT ME:

WANT TO SAY THANK YOU?

🔹 Venmo/CashApp: @marypennies $marypennies

SEND ME LETTERS:

Mary
P.O. Box 240981
Memphis, TN 38124

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[Surviving_But_Thriving]

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.

[amolamula]

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

[lisar]

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.

[breeb]

We aren't. We're just surviving.

[mirandamenard]

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.

[NobodySpecial]

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!

[YazWhyNY]

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 🤦‍♀️

[mysticop]

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.

[MayavatiBanerjee]

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.

[christinejunk]

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.

[idunawow]

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.

[alex_la_fantastica]

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 😫

[mybdayis]

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

[megan]

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.

[desertrat]

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.

[jayocean]

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.

[andrewemery]

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.

[ebonylewis]

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.

[michaelcrandall]

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.

[catelinrussin]

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.