Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
Share
📝 Reader Q&A: I Feel Financially Suffocated by The Rising Cost of Living...
I feel like I'm doing everything right but still can't get ahead. We both work, we don't splurge, I meal plan every week, we have no credit card debt, but between groceries, rent, car insurance and the kids' activities, every month feels tighter than the last. I'm exhausted and honestly a little defeated. Am I missing something or is this just how it is now? How do I stop feeling like I'm drowning even when I'm trying so hard?"
Simone, we understand the struggle of trying to stay afloat when life keeps pushing you down. If only life had a pause button, or better yet, a rewind to go back to simpler times.
Unfortunately, we don't have a magic wand, but we can give you some realistic steps you can take so that each month you feel like you’re making progress.
You—and many families across the country—are facing similar challenges when it comes to the cost of living. Earning two full-time incomes, only to watch most of your money get eaten up by basic expenses, can feel defeating.
The reality is that your wallet is up against a tough competitor: the economy. And while admitting that times are hard doesn’t feel empowering, acknowledging it is the first step toward taking control of your situation.
Even if you feel like you're playing a losing game, this is your opportunity to re-evaluate what you can do with the resources you have right now.
2. Audit your biggest expenses first, not your smallest
We often hear the advice to cut small expenses that add up — the coffee runs, the nail appointments, and so on. But it sounds like you've already done that.
Since you and your partner have already cut some luxuries, like eating out, it's time to look at where the bulk of your money is actually going.
Let's take a look at your large expenses such as housing, transportation, and insurance.
Housing: It may be possible to negotiate a lower rent, and the best time to do it is closer to your lease renewal. Negotiating comes down to proving you're a reliable tenant and doing a little market research. Look into what similar apartments in your area are going for. Chances are, if you have a solid rental history and a strong credit score, you can try to renegotiate your lease for a lower rate in exchange for a longer contract.
Transportation: It's worth doing some comparison shopping for car insurance to see what other providers are offering. You can also try bundling your auto insurance with renters or life insurance to unlock additional savings.
Insurance; Whether it's life or health insurance, the costs can be high. Reach out to your provider to ask about special discounts or alternative rate options. One call could lower your monthly bill.
These bigger expenses might feel like pillars you can't move, but with a little investigating, you might be able to shave off a few hundred dollars a month. Remember, lower costs, even as little as 10 or 20 %, can make a difference over time.
3. Rethink the grocery budget
You already meal plan, and that’s a great foundation — now let’s take it a step further.
Start by swapping name-brand products for store-brand ones you use regularly. Also, don’t overlook the bottom shelves at the store — that’s often where the lower-priced items are hiding.
Pay attention to weekly sales, and let those deals guide your meal planning so you’re building dishes around what’s already discounted.
Most grocery stores have apps that let you download digital coupons, and many offer membership cards that collect points or rewards for future discounts.
It’s also worth exploring a few different stores in your neighborhood, since prices can vary more than you might expect.
The goal here isn’t to restrict yourself — it’s to get creative about doing more with what you already have.
4. Tackle the kids' activity creep
Having your children enrolled in extracurricular activities is one of the best things you can do for them — but it can also be expensive. Uniforms, annual fees, and competition costs add up quickly.
To keep things manageable, consider having an open family conversation about prioritizing one or two activities per child that truly matter to them. This approach helps reduce costs while giving your children more time to focus on the activities they genuinely enjoy.
Also, look into community centers, recreation leagues, and school programs as more affordable alternatives. Many organizations offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it’s always worth asking.
Remember, cutting back on certain activities isn’t about depriving your child — it’s about freeing up money so they can continue doing what they love most. These conversations also help children build realistic expectations and healthy money habits early on.
When money feels tight, it’s natural to start thinking about working more hours or taking on a second job. But let’s be honest — adding more to an already full schedule isn’t exactly sustainable (or appealing).
Instead, let’s take a closer look at your current situation to find ways to make your existing money work harder for you.
Review your subscriptions and cancel any duplicates or ones you rarely use.
Check whether you qualify for tax credits
Consider asking for a raise, especially if your annual review is coming up.
Sell items you no longer need or use on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Vinted - think appliances and electronics, clothing, kids items
It’s less about hustling and more about uncovering money that’s already within your reach.
6. Protect your relationship with money right now
It’s important to remember that many people are feeling stressed and uncertain about money right now. Prices keep rising — we spend more at the grocery store, yet our refrigerators are less full.
In times like this, it’s easy to slip into a scarcity mindset and become overly strict with spending. On the other hand, you might reach a breaking point and splurge on a massage or new perfume just to feel some relief.
Instead of spiraling in either direction, take a moment to zoom out and see your situation through a kinder lens. When financial stress hits, pause and acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished:
Avoiding credit card debt
Meal planning and finding ways to save
Working hard to give your kids an active, happy childhood
Keeping a roof over your family’s head
You truly have a lot to be proud of. Keeping your household financially stable is no small feat. As you honor those accomplishments, consider setting up a simple monthly money check-in with your partner. It’s a healthy way to stay aligned and share the mental load.
Simone, we want you to remember that feeling the squeeze doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It may feel like you’re drowning, but in reality, you’re keeping yourself afloat. The habits you’ve already built are a strong foundation — now it’s just about adding smarter strategies on top. You’ve got this.
PLUS when you sign up for a free course, you can schedule a completely free call with one of our amazing Clever Girl Finance mentors. WE ARE IN YOUR CORNER!
Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate or sponsored, which means Clever Girl Finance may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase or sign up, at no additional cost to you. We only partner with companies we trust. Your support helps us continue providing free financial education.
Clever Girl Finance
Take control of your life and achieve your financial freedom. Join over 100,000 women in our community!
Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
Learn, plan, and grow! Check out our 30+ free courses, 40+ free worksheets, and our 1-on-1 coaching offerings! Did you get this email forwarded to you? Join thousands of women in the CGF community, follow us on Instagram, and watch on YouTube! View this and previous newsletters anytime: Online newsletters. Fuel the mission! ☕️ ❤️ Hello Reader, Hey, it’s Bola here! I want to share something simple that surprised me last year. The small savings experiment my friend Nikki and I tried In April of...
Hello Reader, There are moments in your journey where you realize the work you’ve been doing quietly has opened the door to something bigger. This is one of those moments for me. I’ve been invited to join the Advisory Board of the New Jersey Financial Educators Council (NJFEC), and I said yes without hesitation. Because this is exactly the kind of work I care deeply about; Not just talking about money, but helping build real, structured pathways for financial education to reach more people,...
Hello Reader, Happy book birthday to us! 🎉🎉🎉 I’m so excited to share that Clever Girl Millionaire: A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions is officially out in the world today. This book has been a true labor of love, and faith. It’s the guide I wish I had when I was just getting started, and the same playbook I still use today on my wealth building journey. If you pre-ordered: thank you. Your copy is on its way to you (or you have it...
