I can't say that it's a bad year, but it has been challenging so far. Slightly not as easy to stay ahead of the game, but it is not as easy as past years. It does demand discipline, and attention, and frugality, to an extent.
It does seem that everyone that you would normally owe money to, wants more money. Insurance companies, Utility comapnies, general services...as in food, clothing, etc. It does take some attention to keep ahead.
I am still managing to save, invest, and have that emergency fund, but all of those listed above are grabbing for it. You just have to pay greater attention to what you are spending, and stay a step ahead. So how do I do it???
Let's think about it. What are you trying in times like this. I will tell you what I am doing.
1: Looking for the best investments.
2: Saving that money in accounts. No matter what.
3: That includes keeping money in that emergency fund! That's a must.
4: Eating at home, and getting deals on that at the store.
So far I really haven't had to cut back too much on the normal spending, but it is different. Different brands, different buying times, and amounts. Just kind of moving the needed buying times around, and finding ways to get money back on that necessary buying, like a cash back credit card. I pay it off every month, but in the past I would not have put anything on a card, but now it makes sense because I use that cash back to go towards paying the bill. That seems like a win/win. It seems like I am staying ahead, but those bill collectors are pretty greedy.
So how are you doing? Is it easier, about the same, or a little bit of a struggle? Be sure to let me know in the comments. I am interested.
I think that keeping money for you is mandatory, after all, who are you working for?
