Inflation Survival
When prices keep rising faster than your paycheck, these moves help you hold your ground.
Inflation means your dollars buy less than they used to. It hits hardest for people on fixed incomes and tight budgets, because essentials like food, rent and energy often rise the most.
You can’t control prices — but you can control where your money goes, how much you earn, and how you protect your savings.
Inflation Calculator
Inflation Calculator
See what today's prices could look like in the future and what your savings may be worth.
This uses a steady rate you choose. Check the latest Consumer Price Index at bls.gov for current inflation.
Fight back where prices hurt most
Groceries
Plan meals around sales, buy store brands, cook in batches and cut food waste.
Learn more →Utilities
Seal drafts, adjust the thermostat, and look into assistance programs like LIHEAP.
Learn more →Gas
Use gas price apps, combine trips, and drive more efficiently.
Learn more →Phone & internet
Switch to a lower-cost plan or ask about low-income discounts.
Learn more →Health costs
Compare prescription prices and ask about financial assistance.
Learn more →Your paycheck
If your pay hasn’t kept up, it may be time to ask for a raise or look elsewhere.
Learn more →Your inflation action plan
Re-do your budget with today’s prices
Last year’s numbers may no longer fit. Update every category with what you actually pay now.
Audit subscriptions and bills
Cancel what you don’t use; call and negotiate the rest.
Lock in where it helps
Fixed-rate plans on some bills can protect you from increases — read the terms and early exit fees.
Keep savings earning
Money in accounts paying little or nothing loses value to inflation. Compare high-yield savings options and U.S. Treasury products like I Bonds at TreasuryDirect.gov — check current rates and rules.
Ask for a raise
Document your results and research pay for your role. Inflation is a reasonable reason to revisit pay.
Add income
A small side income can offset price increases on essentials.
Ask for a raise (cost-of-living)
Email to request a pay review
Hi [MANAGER NAME], Could we set up a time to talk about my compensation? Over the past [TIME PERIOD], I’ve [KEY RESULTS — e.g., taken on X, improved Y]. I’ve also looked at current pay for similar roles in our area, and with rising living costs, I’d like to discuss an adjustment. I really enjoy working here and want to keep growing with the team. Would [DAY/TIME] work? Thanks, [YOUR NAME]