By                    Heather Taylor

Let’s break down the financial impact of these rising expenses and what Americans have been doing throughout the year to fight inflation. 

Rising Food Prices

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To combat rising food prices, shoppers have been pulling out all the budgeting stops when visiting the grocery store. Many shoppers now head to inexpensive supermarket chains, stick to a list to avoid purchasing items they don’t need, and swap store brand products over name brand. 

Others are finding even more clever ways to whittle down grocery bills. An increasing number of shoppers are picking up groceries at the dollar store, buying pantry staples in bulk when there’s a good sale, swapping fresh produce in favor of frozen and freezing items they may not use before the expiration date. 

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Rising Gas Prices

“Pain at the pump” became a frequently quoted headline throughout 2022. Gas prices soared so high that many Americans canceled their travel plans this year. Others decided to utilize public transportation, rideshare services or biking to get to their destination.

Dealing with expensive gas may be a bit different than trimming a grocery bill, but determined drivers found several ways to save on fuel. A popular tactic for many involved downloading gas apps, like Gas Buddy, where you could find affordable gas stations and their prices in your area. Others turned to Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart+ memberships to fill their tanks for much less at the stores’ gas stations.

High Rents

Fortunately, many tenants facing rent hikes did not need to agree to exceptionally high rent increases. Several cities, counties and states across the United States offer rent control laws to assist individuals and families in need. 

Renters also got strategic about the rising cost by checking the terms of their lease to see if drastic increases were legal. Renters also searched for more affordable options by negotiating the terms of their lease, such as signing a longer-term lease locked in at a lower price, or researching the market to determine other housing opportunities available in their price range.

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