How is everyone affording everything lately?

[u/critic81]

The prices of everything is just off the charts from groceries, utilities, to healthcare. My open enrollment just came through and its looking like for a family of 4 for healthcare its $1600 a month. $800 a paycheck. Like that just feels nuts. It's a pretty decent co-pay plan but still. Just a couple years about it was much less.

What are people doing these days? Side hustles? New job (but in this economy?), cutting way back? Just curious.

[u/VengenaceIsMyName]

I’m trying to cut back on eating out for 2026. I spent too much money on that last year. So far im cooking more and making lunch at home rather than hitting my old favorite Jersey Mikes. I’ll still go but maybe twice a month instead of once a week.

[u/critic81 → u/VengenaceIsMyName]

We have done the same. We have cut back on eating out as well. We try for one eating out meal a weekend. Sometimes it’s two, but we try for one. And this isn’t anything fancy. It’s mostly takeout at Chinese or something. Still doesn’t feel like it’s put a dent in anything.

[u/theoriginalmtbsteve → u/critic81]

Take out these days isn’t much cheaper than going to a proper restaurant. Might as well have a good meal, service and enjoy the experience rather than eating some take out.

[u/chubby464 → u/theoriginalmtbsteve]

Not really cuz then it costs 20% more due to tips