You’re not imagining things if you’ve felt the pinch of inflation at the grocery store, the gas pump, or even on your phone bill. Prices are up, paychecks aren’t stretching as far, and for some, job losses have made budgeting even more challenging. 

But here’s the good news: if you’ve been wondering how to save money during tough times, a few smart, simple changes can help you regain control. Whether you’re stretching every dollar or coping with a recent job loss, these practical tips show you how to save money, spend smarter, stress less, and make your budget go further.

Your phone is essential, but your bill doesn’t have to be outrageous. For many Americans, a cell phone contract is a significant monthly expense, often filled with hidden fees, unexpected overage charges, and high prices for a plan you might not use to its full potential.

While data on the exact average varies, most sources agree that the cost is high. According to J.D. Power, the average monthly cell phone bill in 2025 is around $141. Other industry data suggests the average is even higher, ranging from $150 to $160 per month due to inflation, the rollout of 5G, and increased data usage. For comparison, single-line plans from major carriers can cost $70 to $100 per month, while family plans often reach $160 to $200 monthly.

This is where a prepaid phone plan comes in as a powerful money-saving tool. Unlike a traditional contract, prepaid plans are simple and straightforward. You pay upfront for the service you need, with no long-term contracts, credit checks, or hidden fees.

Gen Mobile makes it easy to switch. If you have a cell phone that’s fully paid off, it’s likely unlocked, meaning you can bring your own device. Gen Mobile offers both physical SIM and eSIM options for compatible unlocked devices, and up to 99% of phones are compatible with Gen Mobile's network. If you're in the market for a new device, Gen Mobile also offers a variety of basic and premium phones at discounted prices, like iPhones starting at $139 and Samsung Galaxy phones starting at $79.

With a prepaid plan from Gen Mobile, the savings are immediate and significant. You could save over $130/month compared to the average phone bill, adding up to more than $1,500 per year. And to make it a seamless transition, new Gen Mobile customers who prepay for 3 months can pay as low as $9 per month for a limited time. That’s money you could put toward groceries, gas, or simply give yourself some breathing room.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, total spending on food in the U.S. exceeds $2.63 trillion. A significant portion of this goes to eating out—Americans spend almost as much annually on dining out and takeout as they owe in total student debt ($1.5 trillion versus $1.7 trillion in student debt). The average American spends between $1,990 and $2,500 a year on dining out, with that figure climbing to over $3,600 when takeout is included. A few simple changes to your routine can lead to big savings. Try cooking breakfast at home or skipping a few morning coffee runs. Plan meals for the week and use leftovers for lunch or dinner. When you go to the grocery store, opt for generic or store-brand products over more expensive name-brand items—the quality is often similar, but the price is much lower. You can also save by buying bulk items with a longer shelf life, actively seeking out sales, and using coupons. Don't forget to sign up for grocery store loyalty programs, which often provide extra discounts. Another smart strategy is to use food-saving apps like Too Good To Go. This social-impact company's mission is to fight food waste by connecting you with local restaurants and grocery stores that have surplus food. The app allows you to buy a "Surprise Bag" of perfectly good food at a steep discount, helping you save money while making a positive impact.

Small changes can lead to noticeable savings:

• Switch to LED lightbulbs, fix water leaks, and unplug devices when not in use.
• Run appliances only when full and during off-peak hours.
• Use fans or seal windows to reduce air conditioning or heating costs.

Every bit of saved energy means more money in your pocket.

Support is available if your energy bills are still too high:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating and cooling costs.
• CARE and FERA programs offer state-level energy discounts.
• Call 2-1-1 or visit benefits.gov to check your eligibility.

Understanding how inflation affects your money helps you make informed choices.

• The CPI Inflation Calculator shows how prices have changed over time. For example, $100 in 2000 buys much less today — knowing this can help guide smarter decisions.
• The CPI release schedule shows when inflation updates are published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), so you can monitor changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and adjust your budget accordingly.

For example, the graph below shows the 12-month percentage change in key CPI categories as of July 2025, so you can see which everyday costs are rising the fastest.

12-Month CPI Change by Category — July 2025

12-Month CPI Change by Category — July 2025

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics(Not Seasonally Adjusted)

• Use budgeting apps like Rocket Money or EveryDollar to track where your money goes and where you can cut back.  Both offer free versions to help you get started.  

Gas prices, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance add up fast. When possible:


• Walk or bike to nearby errands.
• Use public transit for longer trips.
• Consider carpooling with neighbors or coworkers.


You’ll save money, stay active, and reduce your environmental impact.

Simple Changes, Real Impact.


Inflation affects all of us, but taking back control starts with making smart choices today. Small changes—like switching to a low-cost phone plan, reducing energy use, or shopping smarter—can make a big difference in your budget and help you reduce financial stress.

If you’re ready to start saving, a Gen Mobile prepaid plan is one of the simplest ways to get immediate relief. It’s an easy move that puts money back in your pocket and gives you the breathing room you need to navigate these challenging times. Making your money go further starts with the choices you make today.