5 BEST Ways To Survive The Rising Cost Of Living In Kenya Today

It’s no secret that everyone is feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living and increased prices of food stuff. Ugali which used to be a staple food in most Kenyan homes is now becoming a distant memory with maize flour costing around 150 shillings.

And not to mention things like sugar and milk which have led to most Kenyans foregoing a good breakfast where tea is a necessity.

The sad thing about this whole situation is that the prices of basic commodities continue to rise while our income remains the same. So it goes without saying that if you have never thought about making strategic financial plans, this is the time to do it.

But all in all in as much as the economy is hitting us hard, we must find ways to survive and here is how;

Related: 5 EASY Ways To Live Within Your Means While Earning 15-20K Salary

1. Cut down on some unnecessary expenses

I call them unnecessary because if you won’t die if you don’t eat that pizza, then you can do without it. Only purchase what you need. If you are used to ordering out then this is the time you learnt to cook.

What am trying to put across is that in as much as you may not like it, these are the times to start living within your means. Stop going out every other weekend or ordering takes outs every day.

2. Shop with a budget

I know budgets are not your thing, but if you don’t want to be the only broke person in the office, then its time you started planning out your expenses. Make a budget of the things you need and stick to it .

Again, cut down on unnecessary expenses that will only drain your budget.

3. Pay with cash and not credit card

It’s convenient to shop using your credit card because it only requires the supermarket attendant to swipe and you are off to go.

However this habit and am sure most of you will agree with me is likely to lead you to purchasing things that you had not planned for. Having cash on you ensures you don’t go beyond what your money can buy.

4. Buy things in wholesale

It’s no rocket science that shopping in wholesale is so much better that buying one thing at a time. Take for instance flour. It will save you a lot if you bought it in a bale that one packet.

If a bale if too much for you, then you could join hands with friends and then divide it amongst yourself.

5. Don’t compete

Don’t fall prey to living like your neighbors mentality. Sure your neighbors or friends may seem like they are not as affected by the cost of living as you are but you know yourself better.

Don’t stretch yourself to live a life that you seriously can’t afford. At the end of the day it’s all about you. What can you afford? How far can you stretch?

They say that if you want to be poor, then copy what others are doing.

Related: 4 Money Habits You Need In Your 20s To Live a Better Life in 10 Years

Lilian Wamaitha is a Communications and Digital Marketing Officer at Career Point Kenya. Contact her via lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke. Click here to like us on Facebook.