Anika Markle The rising cost of living has made it harder for many people to make ends meet, especially those relying on a single income or fixed budget. From housing costs to rising insurance premiums, people across the country are feeling the pinch. We asked seven strangers to share how they’re coping, and their stories reveal the struggles — and resilience — of everyday life.
Sharing Spaces and Working Multiple Jobs
Kerry summed up a growing reality for many: “They are not [surviving]. They have to have multiple roommates and multiple jobs. It’s very sad.”
Living with others has become a necessity, not a choice, for many single-income earners. Splitting rent and other expenses has become one of the only ways to stay afloat as wages fail to keep pace with inflation.
For Kara, moving back in with parents has been the only option. “We are living with our parents to cut costs and/or working several jobs because nobody can afford a home, heat, electricity, food, and healthcare on one job.” This juggling act has become all too familiar for young adults trying to build a future.
Struggles in Retirement
Retirement should be a time of rest, but for many, it’s anything but. Lynda, at 76, is finding it harder to get by: “I’m living on Social Security. I worked full time until last year, but had to give most of my income to help my daughter. I’m squeaking by, as rent gets raised so much each year. Hope to afford to live maybe four more years before money runs out.”
Similarly, Lauri feels the pressure even in her late 60s. “Hanging by a thread,” she says. “I am 67 years old and NOT living with my parents!” Despite her independence, the struggle to maintain financial stability is apparent.
Even Dual Incomes Are Struggling
Michael represents a growing group of households where even two incomes aren’t enough. “It’s almost impossible,” he says. “We have two incomes and have trouble putting money in savings because food and bills are taking it all. Insurance rates are the worst culprit.”
The cost of basic necessities, from groceries to insurance, has made it difficult for families to save or plan for the future, leaving many feeling stuck in an endless cycle of bills.
Life Is Tough, Even with Planning
Some people, like Lynne, prepared carefully for retirement but still feel the strain of rising costs. After 46 years of work, she made sure to pay off her mortgage and car and saved money from her modest teaching salary. “When prices went up during the pandemic, I did eat at home most of the time, which has been good,” she shared. But even with financial discipline, the rising cost of living has made things harder.
Charlotte highlighted the challenges her daughter faces, despite having a good income. “Her house note, utilities, insurance, and gas make it nearly impossible to make ends meet or treat her children to any movies or anything else. Life isn’t for the weak!”
Final Thoughts
These firsthand accounts paint a picture of a nation grappling with financial stress. People are working multiple jobs, living with family, and cutting costs just to stay afloat. Even those who planned ahead are finding it tough to manage as the cost of living continues to rise.
While each story is unique, they all reflect a shared resilience and determination to survive — despite the odds.
For now, their struggles serve as a sobering reminder of the financial challenges many face every day.
How are things in your neighborhood?