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.

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.

trying to save my money but i’m just a girl pic.twitter.com/P7MYxnsJQK

— virgobaby (@maybeeevirgo) September 12, 2023

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.

This why my mom left my ass home alone & said don’t open the door for nobody. https://t.co/7uaPx9NuC9

— Brittney, MBA. 🪭 (@BRITTANDX) September 12, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.