Whilst heading back home from work, my thoughts moved onto the subject of what we could have for tea that evening. From there I quickly moved onto thinking about the topic of current food prices. I considered how things had quickly risen to approximately three times their price in a matter of months. It was not only the cost of food, but fuels, energy bills and much more.
This was a regular discussion between people. I often overheard friends chat between themselves, sharing ideas and brainstorming some new ways to hold onto a few extra pennies in preparation for a night out, or when doing their weekly shop. Or discussing the best options for meeting up to have a cuppa, in the hope of avoiding excessive prices, and/or long waiting times to obtain a table in a cost-effective bistro on their special offer’s day. Afterall everyone deserves the right to take some time out and have fun.
Whilst researching further into this subject, I found some interesting information. There has been a rise in people’s choices regarding food, 18% more are choosing what they can afford over how healthy it is for them. Some people have had to stop enjoyable exercising activities because they are too expensive. This has proven to be challenging to businesses out there, trying to fit the needs of their customers. There are also more young adults living with other family members, to allow them some vital time to save up and enable them to afford their own homes.
Here are some small tips that may lighten the load:
Walking to local appointments or for small shopping trips can often help. This provides a cost-effective form of exercise (when appropriate) and reduces some of your fuel costs.
If time is not short, it can often be wise to keep an eye out for special offers. For example, a breakfast deal or a cake & coffee promotion, in preparation for your day off.
Another consideration is to buy a takeaway on hot sunny days instead of heading into an expensive restaurant.
Or the local park can often be a pleasant change for lunch instead of waiting for a seat to become free in a busy café. A packed lunch or picnic may be a surprising option, although it is wise to investigate any local park charges, such as car parking and/or picnic permits (depending on the number of people attending).
We have all had to tighten our belts recently after the pandemic to be able to make ends meet. Perhaps more planning may be an option before spending our hard-earned cash? Do we need to choose more wisely between what we want and what we see is more useful to our current lifestyles? For example, sometimes eating smaller portions of good quality products instead of choosing cheaper options, especially if some foods affect our health in some way. Or getting up a little bit earlier to walk or cycle to school or work (if possible and viable)? There are also many online tips and local community resources found via social media, and/or in our nearest town centres. Why not consider a neighbour who is currently struggling by providing them with a small food hamper instead of chocolates for a treat?
To draw this topic to a natural end, here is a little saying I often heard my family say when young, ‘the one true constant is change’. If you have any handy tips that you feel may help others in your local community, why not post them on a local group chat? Let’s share best practices with the aim of getting through tricky times together. As the song states, ‘brighter days are coming’.