The cost of living is no stranger to our bills, whether it's an energy bill or a Sainsbury’s receipt listing, a loaf of bread.

High in demand products are the majority, when it comes to the cost of living crisis.

 

There are quite a few factors affecting the current rising inflation in the UK, including cuts in Russian supply and especially the pandemic:
There has been a huge shortage of supplies around the world, because, as the global economy slowly recovers, the demand for products rapidly increase. However, there are also many other factors that could in the future: affect the cost of living; for example, climate change, human activity and production of various man-made goods: which emit harmful wastes into the air, increasing greenhouse gases and therefore leading to dramatic rises in temperature, this indirectly affects not just us humans but also other living organisms such as plants and animals. 

Therefore, this means that If there is a low production rate of a resource or product, (due to the influence of these factors) the higher the cost becomes.

 

Rishi Sunak, The current prime minister of the UK, (who was Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time of this announcement, which was a few months prior to the election) stated that ,“This country is now experiencing the highest rate of inflation, we have seen for forty years” “our exposure to global shocks continues to explain most of the inflation above the two percent target, supply chain disruption as the world reopened from covid, combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and potentially exacerbated by recent lockdowns in China are all contributing to significant price increases for goods and energy” 

 

 The inflation deeply affects many communities especially those who had already been struggling. It is important that we are to be more aware of this impactful situation, in particularly this winter, which for many reasons, may also be one of the most vulnerable times of the year.

 

So how can we use this time effectively:

 

Budgeting: Save up some money, it doesn't have to be in large amounts since it all slowly adds up in the end.

Insurances and warranties: Get the best deals possible. A long lasting item means you won't have to buy a new one and the insurance is free.

Recycle: Sell items you don't have any use for. There are many sites and apps that are specifically designed for this purpose.

Support: Check whether you are eligible for any benefits or support provided by the government. Use this help to your advantage.

Deals: Discover deals and discounts when you shop, sign up to shop accounts, usually members receive discounts and other amazing deals e.g Tescos club card.

Other (more widely known): use public transport when possible (limit gas exposure and bills), discover other types of hobbies rather than going on phones, tv etc. (electricity is constantly working even when you are not aware of it), you can even try to wear warmer clothes around the house when it's cold (limit heating bill price)

In these tough times, it's best to just find a way around them. Think of other effective ways you can help your wallets this winter.


 

 

-Zahra Yaqobi