The cost of living has been increasing year on year. This has left many people struggling to maintain a decent standard of living, particularly the elderly and families with young children. This blog explores the financial impact of the cost of living increase the effect these increases have on different areas of life and what we can do to survive in these difficult times.
The High Cost of Feminine Sanitary Products
Women have long complained about the price of sanitary products, and since the cost of living crisis, calls for a reduction in these costs have increased. Many support groups have urged governments to provide free sanitary products for all women. Homeless charities and women’s groups are leading the call to end period poverty.
The Steep Rise in Energy Costs
One area that has made headlines in recent months is the continued rise in energy prices. The price of oil spiked after Russia invaded Ukraine and, although energy bills have fallen since then, they are still unmanageable for many people. When we factor in these prices alongside the rise in household expenses, we can see why people are often left with the dilemma, ‘to heat or eat’. Struggling families must choose between whether to heat their homes or feed themselves.
The Price of Food Keeps Increasing
Food is a basic human right. It is an obvious fact that we all need to eat. However, ever since inflation pushed up the price of domestic and imported goods, it has been a struggle for families to put food on the table. Parents in particular are under pressure to ensure their children eat a nutritious diet. This isn’t easy with the cost of food rising each day.
The High Cost of Mortgages and Rent
As well as dealing with endless rises in food and heating costs, many people worry about affording their rent or mortgage. In the UK and Ireland, private home rents have increased to their highest point in decades, and the short supply of housing as well as mortgage rate rises has made it increasingly difficult for people navigating the housing market. The rising cost of housing is yet another effect of the cost of living crisis.
The Rising Cost of Pet Ownership
The cost of caring for pets is another sign that the cost of living is biting hard. From pet food to veterinary fees, the cost of caring for an animal has increased considerably. Pet owners invariably want the best for their furry friends. However, when the increase in the cost of pet care becomes unmanageable, more animals than ever before are being handed over to animal shelters.
The next blog in this series will examine ‘period poverty’ and will look at the high cost of female sanitary products and the problems this causes.