Are you finding it difficult to budget your money because of rising prices? Well, you’re not alone. In fact, a Rand Corp. survey revealed that half of Americans who make less than $25,000 per year are struggling to pay their monthly bills. Even a third of middle-class families are finding it hard to allocate their budget properly, especially now that the inflation rates are increasing rapidly.
Fortunately, you can take advantage of financial programs to purchase necessities at lower costs.
Gas – Rewards Program
Gas prices are shocking, and we now to pay much more to fuel up and travel. Now that gas prices continue to hike up, families need to make some changes in their routine to cut costs.
First, you must never underestimate store rewards. Our article on the ‘4 Tips for Saving Money on Gas’ highlights that these reward points can help you save as much as $0.50 to $1 per gallon of fuel. On top of that, you can also sign up for cash back rewards on your credit card, so you can get a part of your money back whenever you fuel up.
Phone and Internet – Federal Lifeline Program
A CNBC report highlights that the average monthly cell phone bill in the US is around $127.37 per person, which can significantly affect each household’s budget for groceries and utilities.
It can be difficult to cut costs among essentials which is why families need to budget carefully. Budgeting resource AskMoney has several articles dedicated to this subject, including a feature on the Federal Lifeline Program. They point out that individuals who lack reliable access to phone and internet services can apply to get monthly discounts for any phone and internet service bill using this program. Eligible households can maximize this program, especially now that more Americans are studying and working remotely.
Home Energy – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The average American household spends around $117 on monthly electric bills, but this can go even higher when seasons change.
If you need a bit of assistance in paying your home heating or cooling bill, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help you cut costs for your monthly electric bill. You can even use the funds for emergency services in case of utility shut-offs, or for low-cost home improvements that can make your home more energy-efficient.
Groceries – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Nutritious food is important for your family’s overall health. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to purchase quality food, especially now that goods are more expensive.
The Conversation highlights that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can be heaven-sent for families who want financial help for their groceries. The average person can get about $130 per month on SNAP, while families of four can get as much as $646. The funds are even distributed to individuals quickly, making it a great option for families who want to reduce grocery costs.
Many Americans are struggling with their finances right now, so it’s crucial to be smart about spending your money. If you want more financial tips, check out our articles at Common Sense with Money so you can learn how to keep your family healthy and happy, while spending less money.
