The Growing Shadow of Inflation
Understanding the Impact of Rising Cost of Living
The cost of living is like a tide that relentlessly swells, gradually rising and engulfing our hard-earned finances. With inflation rates increasing, it’s no wonder that the fear of not being able to keep up with it is a common concern.
In fact, In 2022 the average rate of inflation reached 8%. Typically we use 3% as an expected rate. This startling fact highlights the importance of being proactive about managing your personal and business finances.
As a financial coach, I understand the challenges you’re facing in this ever-changing financial landscape. The first step to conquering this fear is to have a clear understanding of your spending habits and create a spending plan that works for you.
Sailing Steady with a Spending Plan
Why Regular Updates Are Essential
A spending plan is not a one-time endeavor, but rather a living document that should evolve with your financial situation. As inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, it’s vital to regularly review and update your plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective. By doing this, you can adapt to any changes in your income, expenses, and financial goals, whether in your personal life or business.
As your financial coach, I encourage you to re-evaluate your spending plan every few months. This will help you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments to your budget. Remember, it’s not about cutting back on everything – it’s about making informed decisions that allow you to sail confidently through the waves of economic uncertainty. You can’t avoid certain expenses but some items may have to be a “not now.”
Navigating Credit Card Waters
Managing Extra Expenses and Interest Rates
Credit cards can be both a blessing and a curse. While they provide convenience and potential rewards, they also come with the risk of accumulating debt and high-interest rates. To prevent these extra expenses from overwhelming you, it’s essential to be more aware of your credit card usage and the interest rates associated with them.
Regularly review your credit card statements and take note of the interest rates. If you notice that your interest rates are creeping up, consider taking action to reduce your debt or negotiate a lower rate with your card issuer. This can be huge!
Here is a quick example (just for illustrational purposes) that shows what a difference an interest rate can make.
|
Balance |
Interest Rate |
Min Payment |
Years To Pay Off |
Interest Paid |
|
$8,000 |
18% |
$280 |
4 |
$2,525 |
|
$8,000 |
25% |
$280 |
4.6 |
$4,282 |
|
$8,000 |
32% |
$280 |
5 |
$7,269 |
Remember, maintaining a manageable debt level is key to staying afloat amidst the rising cost of living.
Charting Your Course to Financial Success
Personal and Business Growth with a Financial Coach
Tackling the challenges posed by the rising cost of living and inflation doesn’t have to be a solo journey. As a financial coach, I’m here to guide you through both personal and business financial matters, helping you develop strategies to weather the storm.
Whether it’s creating a comprehensive spending plan, managing credit card debt, or addressing any other financial concerns, I’m committed to helping you chart your course to financial success. Reach out to me for a free Discovery Call at https://pennywisecoaching.com/contact-pennywise-coaching/ and let’s embark on this voyage together!
