Unless you’ve been trekking in the Himalayas, you have probably heard about the UK costs of living emergency. It’s been called a crisis for some time, but now it is getting to the point were an emergency is actually the correct term. Skyrocketing prices across the board are putting the pressure on family finances all over the nation. How can we plug the holes in the boat? Stop ourselves sinking quite as quickly? Let’s have a look at a few ideas, some of which you may already be doing! First though, we’re going to establish why there is anger.
So Why Are We Angry?
I think one of the main reason a lot of people are angry is because of the choices.
Those choices of politicians who gave themselves a £2000+ pay rise this year yet refuse to help out the general public. The members of Government who hold the cards yet would shy away from reclaiming fraudulent billions. Leadership that already let thousands fall through the gaps during a pandemic. Rather than implementing solutions now, they want to watch the UK costs of living crisis ‘evolve’ before they figure out what to do next.
The money is there, they are spending £20million on a party house in new York but won’t help the poorest in society. We’ve had enough of watching them laughing in the commons. We’ve had enough of their lies. Our anger is there because of their choices. Years of cuts to help and support. Years of rising taxes. We will remember this the next time the polling booths open.
Let’s look at some things we can do to lessen the squeeze.
Shop Smarter
During this UK costs of living crisis, everyone has been saying to drop down a brand or start using value food. But what if you’ve already been doing that? By smarter I mean looking for discounts, using clubcard points, vouchers, cashback apps. Finding a different time to shop when you will find more yellow stickered items. Did you know that after 7pm, if you have the Lidl app you can get 30% off bakery items? Look at Olio for freebies and Too Good To Go for magic bags as well.
Slice Your Subscriptions
Many of us have subscriptions to a wide array of things, from the gym to television. Now is the time to slice them. You may have got rid of Netflix but maybe it’s time to say goodbye to NOW too? There are lots of free alternatives you can use instead. It is worth going through your direct debits and those subscriptions you’ve signed up to. It’ll help with some costs during the UK costs of living emergency.
Move Your Money
What money we do have, we need to be making the most of. Locking cash away isn’t a great idea right now as you might need it, plus the interest rates available aren’t really worth it. However, having your money earning the most it can in an easy access way is a great idea. If you join Chase you will have access to a 1.5% linked savings account. You’ll also earn 1% on all your spending for the first twelve months. That’s a great way to earn a little bit extra during this UK costs of living situation.
Travel Wisely
Petrol and diesel prices are absolutely off the charts at the moment. This makes filling up our cars extremely expensive. SO every time we use our vehicles, it’s costing more than previously. Is it possible to organise your time better so you can walk to where you need to be? This is a great idea for short journeys. However, for commuting it might not be possible. This is where car sharing can be a great idea That could help to split your travels costs in two, giving you that little bit extra during this UK costs of living emergency. Maybe getting your bike out of the shed is an option. If you are avoiding using the car and you have a driveway, you could declare it off the road and earn some of your road tax back. You’ll need to keep it insured though, just incase something happens.
Look Out For One Another
As Cherry Ghost said, People Help The People. So many of us are worried, struggling, on the edge. Those that are alone are feeling it as who can you turn to, talk or and rely on? Now is the time to start looking out for one another. We need to check on neighbours, loved ones, elderly people who live nearby. The UK costs of living emergency is affecting everyone and whilst we wait for the politicians to see what we already see, the people need to help the people.
This could be donating some cans to a foodbank or making an extra portion of tea and taking it to a neighbour. It could be helping someone to change their broadband provider so they are on a more affordable deal, or seeing if a friend who isn’t good with paperwork is entitled to extra benefits.
This situation is not going away. The UK costs of living is setting in and we’re in for a woeful winter as energy prices are due to rise yet again in October. We must do what we can to weather the storm whilst the situation is deemed bad enough for more political action. Our anger is not going away but we can channel it into areas which are going to make a difference to our personal situations. We are stronger together and will not be broken. Sending you love and strength.
