Skip To Content
BuzzFeed Homepage
Sign In
Search BuzzFeed

    The Cost Of Living Keeps Increasing — What Little Things Have You Had To Give Up?

    People are learning how to gel manicure their own nails to save $45 every two weeks.

    Alexa Lisitza
    by Alexa Lisitza

    BuzzFeed Staff

    The cost of living in the US continues to rise, and it's getting harder and harder for the average American to save money, pay their rent, pay off their student loans, or just live without financial stress. In fact, according to The Hill, most residents earning less than $100,000 a year are struggling to afford basic day-to-day expenses.

    Paramount Pictures / Via Twitter: @maybeeevirgo

    So, with finances tight, some have begun cutting little and/or big value items out of their lives to stay afloat.

    Twitter: @BRITTANDX

    Maybe you used to get your nails done every two weeks but then realized a gel set was costing you $45 every time.

    woman showing off her nails with text reading, that's 1,080 a year
    Martin Novak / Getty Images

    Or maybe you used to travel to one new location every year, but you haven't left your state since 2021 because paying for flights, hotels, and other necessities isn't feasible right now.

    guy standing in a city with text reading, who has $300 a night for a hotel
    Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

    Or, maybe you were even saving up for a house one day, but bills have you tapping into that fund and homeownership is seeming less and less possible.

    aerial view of houses and text, i was laid off and now my savings go towards bills
    Owngarden / Getty Images

    Whatever the case may be, we want to hear about it! Let us know what you've had to give up as the cost of living rises in the comments, or through this anonymous Google Form. Your answer could be used in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.