Lets face it: The cost of living is kicking our butts.
If youre wondering why youre having trouble getting ahead, its because the game is rigged against you.
While wages have gone up over the past couple of decades, they havent kept up with inflation.
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In other words, the cost of everything is rising a lot faster than your salary is.
Having trouble keeping up?
Weve got some money moves you’ve got the option to start making today:
1.
Try preparing for the week ahead with some meal planning.
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This goes beyond just making a shopping list.
It also prevents you from spending extra cash on emergency lunches or late-night takeout.
First, figure out how many meals youre responsible for making every week.
If its just you, your answer might be 21: seven breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Now figure out how much food youll need to buy to make it until your next grocery trip.
Stocking up on sale items also helps you freeze meals for the future.
Everybodys got to eat.
You may as well earn a little money back while your groceries are being bagged up.
For your efforts, youll earn gift cards to places like Amazon or Walmart.
You candownload the free Fetch Rewards app hereto start getting free gift cards.
Over a million people already have, so they must be onto something.
Stop Overpaying for Stuff Online
With the cost of everything rising, you have to watch every penny.
Thats exactly whatCapital One Shoppingdoes.
Lets say youre shopping for a new pair of shoes, and you assume youve found the best price.
If there are any available coupon codes, theyll also automatically be applied to your order.
*
In the last year, this has saved people $160 million.
you could get started in just a few clicks tosee if youre overpaying online.
You candownload the free Fetch Rewards app hereto start getting free gift cards.
Over 13 million people already have, so they must be onto something…
5.
Knock $715/Year From Your Car Insurance in Minutes
Every dollar counts here.
Cutting necessary expenses can make a huge difference.
So whens the last time you checked car insurance prices?
Chances are youre seriously overpaying with your current policy.
If its been more than six months since your last car insurance quote, you should look again.
Use awebsite called EverQuoteto see all your options at once.
Take a couple of minutes toanswer some questionsabout yourself and your driving record.
With this information, EverQuote will be able to give you the top recommendations for car insurance.
In just a few minutes, you could save up to $610 a year.
Its too good to be true, right?
Unlike other sites, InboxDollars pays you in cash no points or gift cards.
Its already paid its users more than $56 million.
Signing up takes about one minute, and youll immediately receivea $5 bonusto get you started.
How would they pay the bills?
Send the kids through school?
Nows a good time to start planning for the future by looking into a life insurance policy.
Youre probably thinking: I dont have the time or money for that.
We hear people are paying as little as $10 a month.
- (But every year you wait, this gets more expensive.)
In summary, keeping up with the cost of living is tough.
But following these steps can give you a leg up.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
He, too, is struggling to keep up with the cost of living.
*Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the extension using the links provided.
Bestow Life Insurance products may not be available in all states.
Policy limitations or restrictions may apply.
Not available in New York.
Our program asks lifestyle and health questions to determine eligibility so that avoid requiring a medical exam.
Rates will vary based on underwriting review.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
