Yeah. This article is going to hurt. So we'll start with a joke to ease you into it…
Q: Why did the balloon store go out of business?
A: Because of the cost of inflation.
😂 Ok. Now let's get real. The price of just about everything is up, and inflation is having a very real and not-so-fun impact on families across the country.
But just how much extra are we paying per month? 💲💲
Here's the Five Fast Facts …… :
- 📏 There's a range - The first thing you need to know is that the effects of inflation will, of course, look different for everyone. Budgets and spending change depending on where you live, if you're single, have a family, or a Funko-pop addiction to feed.
- 💸 The range is big, and it changes - In May of 2022, professional number nerds said inflation is costing families an extra $341 per month. Fast forward to June, and that number was $460 per month. If you think that’s bad then you better brace yourself for a “Rocky Mountain High” because in Colorado it was $825 per month!! 😮😮
- 🗺️ Who’s getting hit the hardest? The states with the most significant inflation burden are Colorado, Utah, and Minnesota. Sorry, guys -- maybe it's time to move South? Your local and state government is making the biggest difference here - so anyone who wants to win at inflation had better vote in the upcoming midterms.
- ⛽ What stuff costs the most? Surprise, surprise (not): at the top of the list is fuel. Next comes plane tickets, followed by food - mainly beef and chicken. After that comes new cars and trucks, electricity, and going out to eat. So, basically everything that makes life enjoyable. No big deal. We’re all fine here.
- 🛒 How to get relief - The best way to get ahead of higher prices is to plan ahead: create a weekly meal plan and stick to it, only buying the necessary groceries. Buy grocery items in bulk when you can. Ride your bike to work or plan carpools. And for an extra financial boost, try un-effing your finances.
🔥Bottom line: Inflation sucks. And there's no easy way to predict when it will be over. Looking at the past, the best guess the number nerds have is that things will only royally suck until this current period of suckiness the middle of next year. Then it might just peasantly suck. So tighten up your budget, go out less, and go un-eff your finances.
How painful is inflation for you right now?
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