Protecting Your Wallet: How to Adapt Your Spending in Times of Inflation

Unless you've been living under a rock, you are probably aware that inflation is hitting the pocketbooks of Americans (and the rest of the world) hard. 

To combat inflation, it's wise to tweak your money strategy. 

Inflation is an economic phenomenon that affects the purchasing power of individuals and erodes the value of money over time. The same amount of money can buy fewer goods and services as prices rise. 

To effectively manage your personal finances, it is crucial to understand the impact of inflation on your spending habits and make necessary adjustments. 

How to Adjust in Times of Inflation

Recognizing The Effects of Inflation

Inflation is natural in any economy, and consumers can feel its impact daily. 

Recognizing that the value of money decreases over time is the first step in adjusting your spending habits. Prices of goods and services tend to increase, and if your spending remains unchanged, you will face the full brunt of inflation head-on. 

Don't ignore it. It's here. The only question that remains is what you are going to do about it. 

Reevaluating Your Budget

To accommodate the effects of inflation, you must reevaluate your budget regularly. 

Start by examining your current income and expenses to understand your financial situation. Take note of any areas where you can adjust, such as discretionary spending or non-essential purchases. Consider reallocating your resources by reducing expenses in those areas to accommodate the rising prices of essential goods and services. 

Also, prioritize your essential expenses, such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities, and allocate a significant portion of your budget towards these necessities (more below). It may also be necessary to review your savings and investment goals to account for the impact of inflation on their growth potential. By reevaluating your budget, you can ensure that your spending remains sustainable and that you maintain financial stability in the face of inflationary pressures. 

By reallocating your resources, you can better adapt to the changing economic landscape and maintain financial stability.

Prioritizing Essential Expenses

In times of inflation, it becomes crucial to prioritize essential expenses. 

These include housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Allocate a significant portion of your budget towards these items, as they are necessary for your well-being. Cut back on non-essential purchases to ensure you have enough funds to cover these essential needs.

For instance, cutting back on eating out might be necessary to ensure enough money is available for your non-negotiables. The things you cannot live without should be number 1 on your list of priorities, but be honest about these expenditures.

Saving and Investing

Inflation can eat away at the value of your savings if left unaddressed. Consider allocating a portion of your income towards savings and investments to counteract this. 

Saving ensures you have a financial cushion to fall back on during uncertain times. Investing in assets that outpace inflation, such as stocks, real estate, or diversified portfolios, can help preserve and grow your wealth in the long run.

Shop Smart and Compare Prices

Being a smart shopper becomes even more important when prices rise due to inflation. 

Compare prices across different stores or online platforms before making a purchase, and don't be afraid to buy a store's generic brand instead of the more expensive name-brand products. Use sales, discounts, or loyalty programs to maximize your savings. Additionally, consider buying in bulk for frequently used items to save money in the long term.

Consider Alternatives and Substitutions

Inflation can make certain products or services unaffordable or less accessible. In such cases, it's wise to explore alternatives or substitutions. 

For instance, if the price of your preferred product brand increases significantly, try out a different brand that offers similar quality at a lower price. Flexibility in your choices can help you maintain your desired standard of living without straining your budget.

Reviewing Debt and Interest Rates

Inflation can impact interest rates, affecting your existing debt obligations. If interest rates rise, the cost of servicing debt also increases. Review your debts, such as mortgages, car loans, student loans, or credit card balances, and consider refinancing options if they can help reduce your interest payments. 

Managing your debts effectively can alleviate some financial pressure caused by inflation.

Continuous Financial Education

Staying informed about economic trends, financial news, and personal finance strategies is vital when dealing with inflation. 

Engage in continuous financial education to understand the implications of inflation and explore ways to protect and grow your wealth. Attend workshops, read books, follow reputable financial blogs, and consider seeking professional advice to stay ahead of the curve.

Inflation is inevitable in any economy, and its effects can impact your finances. By recognizing the impact of inflation and adjusting your spending habits, you can mitigate the strain on your budget and maintain your financial stability. 

Reevaluating your budget, prioritizing essential expenses, saving and investing wisely, shopping smart, considering alternatives, and staying informed are all crucial steps in navigating the challenges posed by inflation. 

Adopting these strategies ensures that your spending aligns with the changing economic landscape and protects your financial well-being in the long run.

Old National has the financial knowledge and products to help you through any stage of life.  Let us help you achieve your goals.

This article was written by Steve Adcock from Wealth of Geeks and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.