The writing is on the wall. Inflation is Climbing and rents are climbing, but wages aren't. I don't see any relief in sight for quite some time. It's a time in our lives when we need to ponder, "Am I prepared?" 

I'm not suggesting anyone become one of those doomsday-type preppers we all hear about, but there's no better time than now to start preparing as much as we can for tougher times ahead. How can you do that? Well, there are a few ways:

* Start saving Money if you haven't already. Even if it's a dollar a week or five bucks a paycheck, save something. Every little bit helps whether you think it does or not.

* Cut spending where you can and save money on things you can. Cancel subscriptions that you don't need and unplug items you aren't using.

* Buy a little extra food and household supplies whenever you go to the store. Take it home and put it in your pantry, long-term storage, or wherever else you put things. I have items in my stockpile from 2020. What's significant about that? I bought them at 2020 prices. Things are expensive now, but I guarantee they will get more expensive.

Every little thing you can do now to save, prepare, and make changes is going to help, whether you believe it or not. I'm not saying things won't ever get better, but why struggle so hard until they do, because....things will get worse before they get better. 

After I wrote this post for future publication, I happened across a Frontline episode on PBS - Age of Easy money - that talks about our financial situation, how it happened, and where it's going. It only echoed the things I've read and seen and made me realize that I'm accurate in what I can see happening. I suggest you watch it. It's available for free on YouTube. 

Then, just yesterday, Jerome Powell, the Fed Chief, raised interest rates again. Indeed, things are going to get more expensive, so do your best to put yourself in a better position than you are today, if you haven't already.