The Cookout

[MR-D-ROB]

I'm pretty certain I don't recall inflation being this bad during my adult life. I don't think I remember a point where it has been this bad even when I was a child. I feel like Joe Biden and the Democrats have failed the country and more specifically failed the black community.

I've always believed in the words of the great pimp Suga Free(look him up if you don't know who he is) "If You Stay Ready, You Ain't Got to Get Ready".
I think the last time I've only had one job was 2015. Back around 2013 I made some bad career decisions. I ended up in a pretty bad financial situation. I'd like to say that I worked hard and got out of it. While that is partially true I think it was also some luck and divine intervention that got me out of that mess. I lucked out and landed a job with a very large sign on bonus and was able to get myself back on track.

After that I networked and got myself on track to always have a few side gigs available in case I need to make extra money.

So since this recent inflation hit I have been able to pick up a few extra shifts here and there to help out.

So as for the title. What are you doing to cope with inflation?

 

[Troy]

I'm pretty certain I don't recall inflation being this bad during my adult life. I don't think I remember a point where it has been this bad even when I was a child. I feel like Joe Biden and the Democrats have failed the country and more specifically failed the black community.

I've always believed in the words of the great pimp Suga Free(look him up if you don't know who he is) "If You Stay Ready, You Ain't Got to Get Ready".
I think the last time I've only had one job was 2015. Back around 2013 I made some bad career decisions. I ended up in a pretty bad financial situation. I'd like to say that I worked hard and got out of it. While that is partially true I think it was also some luck and divine intervention that got me out of that mess. I lucked out and landed a job with a very large sign on bonus and was able to get myself back on track.

After that I networked and got myself on track to always have a few side gigs available in case I need to make extra money.

So since this recent inflation hit I have been able to pick up a few extra shifts here and there to help out.

So as for the title. What are you doing to cope with inflation?

I'm stacking every Penn and not trying to spend on frivolous shit. It's hard out here but I make enough to make it as long as I don't get laid off.

 

[Nesut]

I'm pretty certain I don't recall inflation being this bad during my adult life. I don't think I remember a point where it has been this bad even when I was a child. I feel like Joe Biden and the Democrats have failed the country and more specifically failed the black community.

It was a long time coming and the hammer dropped during this regime. I have felt the pinch but haven't really changed my behaviors. It hasn't gotten to the point where I've had to dip into my savings. Buuuuut if rent goes up after my lease I will be screwed.

 

[MarleyK20]

I have been a freelancer for years, and because I contract with the feds who are often in no rush to pay, I've long had to adjust my spending for their mess. This year they are taking EXTRA LONG to reimburse for expenses and pay for services rendered. It's annoying so I've adjusted my spending drastically to prepare for what's coming.

1. I only buy what I need.
2. I shop second-hand and used first. I let others take the depreciation hit.
3. I eat less and smaller portions. I also fast intermittently daily.
4. I exercise daily. Each morning I walk 3 miles to get my day started. We need fresh air and time to commune with nature.
5. I stay on top of what's happening globally from non-traditional mediums.
6. I shop at international markets FIRST. I find they have cheaper groceries because they serve the working class and the poor.
7. I got rid of the cable years ago. I read books instead of filling my mind with useless escapism. Books will be like bibles soon.
8. I look for sales and clearance items in the grocery store to supply my preps.
9. I started a garden to reduce my reliance on store veggies.
10. I drive only when necessary.
11. I buy things I will need for months and years in bulk. Those things are increasing by the day.
12. I cut out luxuries. No vacations, etc. I stay close to home.
13. I ignore gimmick marketing.
14. Lastly, I prepared myself for the fact I may one day have to live together with family to survive. We've had "the talk." I'm slowly releasing an independent mindset.

Belt tightening and reasoning before purchases are my biggest flexes now to deal with inflation.

 

[Tati 304]

Trying not to be broke.

The gas and milk is kicking my ass right now. Even small grocery runs are through the rough.

 

[Harbinger]

I have been a freelancer for years, and because I contract with the feds

 

[MR-D-ROB]

I'm stacking every Penn and not trying to spend on frivolous shit. It's hard out here but I make enough to make it as long as I don't get laid off.

Yeah I am definitely trying to watch my spending. I honestly was being lazy and eating out a lot. I have started trying to cook at home more. It's a lot healthier, cheaper and let's face it I cook better too. Ain't a fast food restaurant that can out do authentic Louisiana cooking!

 

[MR-D-ROB]

It was a long time coming and the hammer dropped during this regime. I have felt the pinch but haven't really changed my behaviors. It hasn't gotten to the point where I've had to dip into my savings. Buuuuut if rent goes up after my lease I will be screwed.

Try to plan ahead just in case. It's always better to be ready and not need to be than to not be ready and need to be!

 

[MarleyK20]

I review federal grants year round... I watch people get money, then I have to wait to get paid my money. It's good easy money, but my lawd getting paid is so hard lol.

 

[MR-D-ROB]

Trying not to be broke.

The gas and milk is kicking my ass right now. Even small grocery runs are through the rough.

I feel ya. I used to go to the grocery store and spend $50 or $60 and have a lot of food. Now that's just enough to get snacks or food for the evening!

 

[MR-D-ROB]

I have been a freelancer for years, and because I contract with the feds who are often in no rush to pay, I've long had to adjust my spending for their mess. This year they are taking EXTRA LONG to reimburse for expenses and pay for services rendered. It's annoying so I've adjusted my spending drastically to prepare for what's coming.

1. I only buy what I need.
2. I shop second-hand and used first. I let others take the depreciation hit.
3. I eat less and smaller portions. I also fast intermittently daily.
4. I exercise daily. Each morning I walk 3 miles to get my day started. We need fresh air and time to commune with nature.
5. I stay on top of what's happening globally from non-traditional mediums.
6. I shop at international markets FIRST. I find they have cheaper groceries because they serve the working class and the poor.
7. I got rid of the cable years ago. I read books instead of filling my mind with useless escapism. Books will be like bibles soon.
8. I look for sales and clearance items in the grocery store to supply my preps.
9. I started a garden to reduce my reliance on store veggies.
10. I drive only when necessary.
11. I buy things I will need for months and years in bulk. Those things are increasing by the day.
12. I cut out luxuries. No vacations, etc. I stay close to home.
13. I ignore gimmick marketing.
14. Lastly, I prepared myself for the fact I may one day have to live together with family to survive. We've had "the talk." I'm slowly releasing an independent mindset.

Belt tightening and reasoning before purchases are my biggest flexes now to deal with inflation.

These are all excellent ideas. I know I am certainly trying to use quite a few of those tactics myself. 1,2,8,10,12,13.
Probably need to start doing 9,11.
And I'm definitely planning on cutting a lot of my subscriptions like netflix, hbomax etc.

 

[Sovereign]

I feel ya. I used to go to the grocery store and spend $50 or $60 and have a lot of food. Now that's just enough to get snacks or food for the evening!

Bruh my little runs are at least $50 more expensive nowadays. I don't have a solid plan I'm just trying to hunker down and make it out alive.

 

[The Haze Of Our Lives]

I'm pretty certain I don't recall inflation being this bad during my adult life. I don't think I remember a point where it has been this bad even when I was a child. I feel like Joe Biden and the Democrats have failed the country and more specifically failed the black community.

I've always believed in the words of the great pimp Suga Free(look him up if you don't know who he is) "If You Stay Ready, You Ain't Got to Get Ready".
I think the last time I've only had one job was 2015. Back around 2013 I made some bad career decisions. I ended up in a pretty bad financial situation. I'd like to say that I worked hard and got out of it. While that is partially true I think it was also some luck and divine intervention that got me out of that mess. I lucked out and landed a job with a very large sign on bonus and was able to get myself back on track.

After that I networked and got myself on track to always have a few side gigs available in case I need to make extra money.

So since this recent inflation hit I have been able to pick up a few extra shifts here and there to help out.

So as for the title. What are you doing to cope with inflation?

We are stacking up on EVERYTHING!!! Batteries, clot bandages, soups, noodles, rice, beans, cleaning supplies, spices, beef Jerry, eggs and some odds and ends Nini said not to type out.

 

[MarleyK20]

These are all excellent ideas. I know I am certainly trying to use quite a few of those tactics myself. 1,2,8,10,12,13.
Probably need to start doing 9,11.
And I'm definitely planning on cutting a lot of my subscriptions like netflix, hbomax etc.

I found I wasted a lot of money entertaining myself. Going out to fancy joints, doing brunch, having drinks, paying for cable, etc. Investigate all of your fun and leisure money. You can find some extra money there for sure. You should reward yourself in some way for working hard, just find new alternatives. Find a way to make it palatable and meaningful. They really are going to be trying to make Black men suffer. They want you impoverished, struggling, and better yet, dead. Don't give them the satisfaction.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I've been picking up overtime at my work. I work in a factory and my department is the only one that makes the shelves that go on the coolers and freezers the rest of the company makes. I usually only work a couple hours extra, and occasionally will work on Fridays too since I usually work Mon-Thurs 6 to 4:30. I've been shopping at Aldi more too.

 

[MR-D-ROB]

Bruh my little runs are at least $50 more expensive nowadays. I don't have a solid plan I'm just trying to hunker down and make it out alive.

Definitely. I sometimes go to the convenience store and spend as much on a few snacks as what I used to spend for a week's worth of grocery!

 

[MR-D-ROB]

We are stacking up on EVERYTHING!!! Batteries, clot bandages, soups, noodles, rice, beans, cleaning supplies, spices, beef Jerry, eggs and some odds and ends Nini said not to type out.

Not necessarily a bad idea to keep some extra food around. Especially if you don't think you will be able to afford further prices hikes.

 

[MR-D-ROB]

The good thing about being a nurse is there is a lot of moon lighting opportunity. I can always make extra money by picking up side shifts.
I've been doing a lot of side shifts with home health companies. Those pay a bit less but the work isn't as hard/demanding. You only have one patient and in my case I can pick short shifts and make quite a bit extra.

I have been picking up two 3.5-hour shifts twice a week. At $24/hour I make around $600 extra a month and don't have to give up too much extra time.

I would make a lot more doing nursing homes which pay around $32/hour but those shifts are usually 8 hours and are very hard. You end up with a entire hallway of patients. I figure I will do the less demanding shifts which I will be able to hold out doing for longer.

The other good thing is I got a nice sign on bonus with the home health company. $2500 which is paid out bit by bit after a set number of hours. I have gotten the first $1500. Once I have worked 1040 hours I get get another $500 and another $500 after I hit 1560 hours.

At that point I will renegotiate my contract to see if I can get an increase from the $24/hour.

 

[JerriBun]

I've been doing more prepping, gardening more, learning about different ways to preserve food and saving seeds.

Saw this coming back in 2020 when farmers were burying unsold produce and killing animals and disposing of their bodies. It's like a domino effect.