According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.9% in August 2025, marking the fastest annual inflation rate since January. That means for many Americans, their savings are worth a little less than they were last year, even if the number looks the same.
For example, that $100 in your savings account last year might only be able to buy about $97 worth of goods today. It doesn’t seem like much at first, but those small increases add up across your weekly groceries, gas and other essentials.
That can feel discouraging, especially when you’re doing your best to save and plan ahead. But you’re not doing anything wrong. This is just how inflation works over time. And the good news is, there are ways to protect your money and help it keep its value.
Understand Where Your Money Goes
It’s hard to manage your money if you’re not sure where it’s going. Most of us don’t realize how much we spend on little things until we take a closer look.
For one month, track every single expense, no matter how small. Use whatever works—pen and paper, your phone, an app. Record all of it: rent, bills, gas, groceries, coffee, late-night snacks and streaming subscriptions.
Once you see the full picture, you’ll know where you can cut back or shift things around. Budgeting is a lot easier when you’re working with real numbers.
Prioritize Your Needs vs. Wants
Once you know where your money goes, it’s time to separate needs from wants. Needs are essential things you cannot live without. Wants are things that are nice to have but not necessary.
Needs: Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, basic insurance, minimum debt payments
Wants: Dining out, streaming services, hobbies, luxury items
When prices rise, you may need to cut back on wants. That doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy, but it may mean choosing a few things that bring the most value or happiness.
Set a Realistic Budget
A budget is simply a plan for how to spend your money. Start by subtracting your total expenses from your income. If you have money left over, decide how much you want to save or invest.
For example, you used to have about $200 left after bills each month before. Now, all you have after paying your bills is maybe $50. Budgeting during inflation means recognizing these shifts early, so you can adjust before things get too tight.
Adjust for Rising Prices
When prices increase, you may no longer be able to afford everything you once did. Adjusting your budget for inflation allows you to continue meeting your needs without feeling deprived. Here’s how you can get started:
- Shop Smart
Compare prices at different stores. Look for sales and use coupons. Buying store brands instead of name brands can save a lot over time. - Plan Your Meals
Groceries are often the first place rising prices hit. Plan meals around what’s in season and on sale. Cooking at home saves more than eating out. - Reduce Energy Use
Utility bills can increase with inflation. You can turn off lights, switch to energy-efficient bulbs and lower the thermostat in your home to reduce costs. - Cut Non-Essentials
Evaluate your subscriptions and memberships. If you’re not using them enough, cancel or pause them. Small cuts can add up. - Buy in Bulk
Some items, like rice, pasta, or cleaning supplies, are cheaper when bought in bulk. Just make sure you can store them safely. - Delay Big Purchases
If possible, postpone major purchases until prices stabilize or until you have enough saved.
Increase Your Income
Sometimes cutting expenses isn’t enough. If prices keep rising, consider ways to earn more money. Some simple things you can do to bring in extra income include:
- Freelancing or side gigs
- Selling unused items online
- Asking for a raise at work
- Taking on overtime or additional shifts
Even a small increase in earnings can help balance your budget when costs rise.
Build an Emergency Fund for the Stuff You Didn’t Plan For
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes you face things you never expected. One minute everything’s fine, and the next, you’re dealing with a car repair, a medical bill, or fewer hours at work. It happens to everyone, and it always feels like the worst timing.
That’s why having a little emergency fund can make a huge difference when you’re budgeting during inflation. Not only does an emergency fund cover the stuff you didn’t see coming, but it also gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid going into debt when life surprises you.
Keep Track of Your Spending Regularly
A budget is not a set-it-and-forget-it plan. Prices change, and so will your income and expenses. With the rising cost of living and budgeting for unexpected expenses becoming a serious concern for many people, tracking your spending is essential to stay on top of your financial goals.
Check your budget weekly or monthly and make changes as needed.
A simple habit like reviewing your budget can prevent overspending and keep you in control of your finances. When you know where your money goes, you’re less likely to feel blindsided when prices increase.
Take Advantage of Helpful Apps and Tools
Sometimes, managing money feels overwhelming, but the right tools can make it easier. With so many digital options available today, many Americans now turn to budgeting apps to simplify the process. When you use these apps consistently, they can turn budgeting into a habit instead of a burden.
Choose a method that works for you and stick with it. With time, you’ll see progress and feel more confident about your finances.
Focus on Long-Term Goals
Staying focused on your goals helps you feel hopeful and keeps you moving in the right direction.
Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of day-to-day expenses when the price of everything is going up. But you can still make progress. It doesn’t matter if all you can save is just a few dollars; every small step forward is still progress.
Some long-term goals you should never lose sight of include:
- Saving to buy your own home
- Building retirement funds
- Paying off debt
- Funding education
Adjust your budget to continue contributing to these goals, even if it’s a smaller amount. Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Stay Flexible and Be Ready to Change
Inflation doesn’t follow a schedule. One month, you think you’ve got it figured out, then prices shift or something unexpected pops up. That’s okay; the goal is to adjust, not give up.
If you want to start budgeting during inflation, you might need to learn how to manage rising expenses to get the desired results. Maybe spend less in one area, or pause a non‑essential bill for a bit. Doing this helps you stay on track and avoid taking on new debt.