Let’s be real: life is expensive. Rent is high, eggs are practically a luxury item, and somehow your paycheck vanishes into the abyss every month—probably somewhere between your student loan payment and that suspiciously overpriced oat milk latte. (Yes, you could make coffee at home, but let’s not pretend that’s going to solve the housing crisis.)
The cost of living in 2025 feels like an elaborate prank, but unfortunately, it’s very real. And while we can’t single-handedly take down inflation or convince landlords to develop a conscience, we can talk about realistic ways to navigate this financial chaos—without resorting to “just stop buying avocado toast” levels of useless advice.
The Rent Crisis Is Real, So Get Creative
If your rent just increased by an amount that should be illegal, you’re not alone. The average rent in the U.S. is now 42% higher than it was in 2020, and wages have not kept up. Even if you have a decent job, affording a one-bedroom in a major city is starting to feel like a spiritual discipline—one that requires deep faith and occasional fasting.
So, what’s the move?
- Co-Living Is Back: If you thought you left roommates behind in college, think again. More and more young professionals are opting for co-living situations, splitting rent and utilities to make city life manageable. And yes, it means sharing a fridge, but it also means you’re not surviving on ramen in a studio the size of a closet.
- Move Strategically: No, we’re not saying flee to the middle of nowhere, but some mid-sized cities (think Cincinnati, Raleigh, or Pittsburgh) still offer reasonable rent and job opportunities.
- Negotiate Your Lease: Your landlord might act like rent is non-negotiable, but you’d be surprised. If your rent increase is absurd, push back—especially if you’ve been a reliable tenant. Sometimes just asking (and having a little data to back it up) can lead to a better deal.
The “Multiple Streams of Income” Era Is Here
Gone are the days when one job was enough. These days, if you’re not juggling at least two income sources, are you even financially surviving? (Not that we love hustle culture, but we do love affording groceries.)
- Freelancing Isn’t Just for Creatives: Yes, writing and graphic design are solid freelance gigs, but so are virtual assisting, online tutoring and social media management. If you have a skill—any skill—there’s probably someone on the internet willing to pay you for it.
- Invest in the Skills That Pay: Coding, data analysis, digital marketing—these are fields that pay well and can be learned through relatively cheap online courses. Even if you’re in a totally different career, a little upskilling could help you land a side gig (or a way better main gig).
- Get Passive (With Income, Not Life): Selling digital products, renting out a spare room, or even reselling thrifted finds on eBay can bring in extra cash without draining all your time. No, it won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but it could cover your internet bill.
The Grocery Store Is a War Zone, So Shop Smarter
If your grocery bill is giving you sticker shock, you’re not imagining things. Food prices have jumped nearly 25% in the last few years, which means even your humble spaghetti dinner is costing more than it used to.
- Find Your Store’s Discount Days: Most grocery stores have a day when certain items (or entire categories) go on sale. Figure out when that is and plan accordingly.
- Buy Generic, But Be Selective: Some store-brand items are just as good as the name brand. Others… not so much. (We’re looking at you, off-brand Oreos.)
- Apps and Memberships Are Worth It: Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards and even your grocery store’s loyalty program can add up to actual savings. And if you’re shopping at places like Costco, the membership might be worth it—just split the bulk items with friends so you don’t end up drowning in 40 pounds of rice.
Budgeting, But Make It Less Depressing
Nobody likes budgeting. But pretending your money problems don’t exist won’t make them go away either. Instead of seeing budgeting as a punishment, think of it as a strategy—like choosing your battles in a game where capitalism is the final boss.
- The 50/30/20 Rule (With a 2025 Twist): Traditionally, this budgeting method allocates 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings/debt. But with today’s costs, you might need to tweak it—maybe 60% needs, 25% wants, and 15% savings. The key is adjusting it to your reality.
- Tithing: A Non-Negotiable or a Stretch? Let’s be honest—giving 10% of your income to your church can feel overwhelming when you’re just trying to survive. But biblical generosity isn’t about checking a financial box; it’s about trusting God with your resources. If a full tithe isn’t feasible right now, consider starting small—maybe 5%—and working your way up. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s faithfulness. And if money is tight, look for other ways to give—your time, skills or even a meal for a friend in need.
- Use a Budgeting App (So You Don’t Have to Think About It): Apps like YNAB, Mint, or even the Cash Stuffing method on TikTok can help you actually see where your money is going—and maybe stop you from impulse-buying another Stanley cup.
- Have a “Fun Money” Category: If your budget doesn’t leave any room for fun, you’re going to rebel against it. Give yourself a little guilt-free spending money each month, even if it’s just enough for a random treat.
The Debt Situation: Don’t Panic, But Do Have a Plan
Debt is a reality for most of us, whether it’s student loans, credit cards, or that one time you financed a couch because the “zero interest for 24 months” deal was too good to pass up. The key is to manage it before it manages you.
- Refinance If It Makes Sense: Interest rates have been fluctuating, so if you can refinance to a lower rate, do it. Even shaving off a couple of percentage points can make a huge difference.
- Snowball vs. Avalanche Method: The Snowball Method (paying off the smallest debt first) keeps you motivated. The Avalanche Method (paying off the highest interest debt first) saves you more money. Pick the one that keeps you actually making progress.
- Don’t Ignore It: The worst thing you can do with debt is pretend it doesn’t exist. Even small payments are better than no payments.
Faith, Finances and Finding Balance
At the end of the day, financial stress is real, but it doesn’t have to define you. Money isn’t just about surviving—it’s about stewarding what you have, making wise choices, and remembering that your worth isn’t tied to your bank account balance.
Sure, 2025 is expensive, and yes, budgeting isn’t always fun. But taking control of your finances—one step at a time—means you get to build a life that actually feels livable. And maybe, just maybe, that’s worth the effort.
