Inflation Fighting Tips to Preserve Your Spending Power

Put an end to those nuisance fees once and for all
With every dollar worth less, no one can afford to waste them. So now is the time to get rid of those monthly bank service fees, ATM charges and other costs that may be lingering. We encourage you to compare bank fees to services at Eglin Federal Credit Union.

Banish food waste
The only thing worse than spending more at the grocery store is watching those dollars disappear into the trash or down the garbage disposal. With inflation on the rise, it has never been more essential to banish food waste. Embrace those leftovers, freeze the excess or share the bounty with those in need.

Stock up on shelf-stable staples
Even with prices on the rise, there are bargains to be had. When deals pop up, it is time to stock up. Filling the pantry with pasta boxes, jarred sauce and canned vegetables will be good for future finances, so clear some space and start shopping. Look for coupons and grocery store rewards cards.

Experiment with meatless meals
With the price of meat rising faster than other grocery store staple, now could be the time to embrace an inner vegetarian. Maybe a meatless Monday is a way to experiment. Of course, giving up meat entirely isn’t necessary, but eating meatless one or two days a week could make a big difference in the size of monthly grocery bills.

Put off major purchases
If you are contemplating a major purchase, ask if it is something you can live without. If so, putting it off until the worst of the inflation spike is over might result in considerable savings.

Seek out inflation friendly investments
If extra cash is available to save and invest, looking for products that benefit from inflation is smart. From government savings bonds that track the rate of inflation to stocks of companies with rising earnings, these smart money investments could be suitable for the short term and the long term. Consult a financial advisor for the best options

Optimize your fuel economy
The price of gas has been especially problematic of late, and inflation at the pump is surely one of the most painful aspects of rising prices. Looking for ways to maximize fuel economy can have an outsized influence in this environment. Think about the way you drive as well as how many miles are traveled. Are there other, less expensive transportation options available like carpooling? Use apps to find which gas stations are offering the lowest price fuel.

Inflation is nothing new, and rising prices have arisen in decades past. When prices are rising, it is easy to despair, but it is important to realize that spending power can be retained. Solving the Federal Reserve dilemma or controlling the larger economy might not be an option, but the ability to make strategic changes to how you shop, drive, cook and live your daily life still exists. The seven inflation-fighting tips listed above may help make the most of those shrinking dollars.