Property taxes are up. Grocery prices are up. Utility costs are up. Insurance costs are up. The only expense that has gone down is gas for the cars.
Those are the basics for our household. And, yet, salaries are only rising modestly, if at all, for most folks.
What am I doing about the rising costs of living? I'm continuing to watch our grocery spending very closely. I am being careful as ever to make sure we turn off lights, turn down heat when we won't be home, use equipment like washers and dishwashers only when full, and taking advantage of free entertainment whenever possible. And, I am NOT allowing myself to be lured into spending more than I intend, with this Black Friday coming up.
I remember feeling this way in the 90s. I kept hearing reports about how amazing the economy was doing, yet our family seemed to be moving only slowly towards our financial goals. I guess the good news is we were (and are now) moving towards our goals, and not away from them.
And I keep repeating to myself, "stay the course", "don't give up now", "your work will pay off", "keep your head about you", etc.
Then, I remind myself of just how "rich" we are. There may be less disposable income, after paying bills. But we have a roof over our head, we are well-fed, we are warm and clothed, and we have some money for items and services that the rest of the world would determine are luxuries.
As we enter into Thanksgiving week, here in the US, I can count so many blessings for which to be thankful. As I am sure can you.
Have a great weekend!
