Food-shopping-groceries[1]

Credit: pch.vector Via Freepik

The 40-year high inflation rate affects many households globally, including the Canadian economy. As Canada’s consumer prices increased in April, Manitoba faced the third largest year-over-year price rise among the provinces, at 7.5 percent.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to impact oil, commodity, and, most importantly, food prices, affecting many Manitoba residents. As the rising grocery bills, gas, interest rates and rent increases continue to pressure consumers, how can Manitoba residents deal with the high living costs? Consider implementing the following tips to handle your finances and lower your expenses.

Increase Your Income

Although you cannot increase your income overnight, you can take a few strategic steps to earn more money than you spend. This involves looking for better job opportunities, taking up a side hustle, or brushing up on your skills to aim for a promotion in your company. Consider negotiating your pay depending on how long you have been with your company. You can point to higher inflation and highlight your job performance to ask for a promotion or raise.

If you cannot ask for a raise or promotion at work, consider investing in your skills or utilizing your current knowledge to pick up a side hustle. This can involve pet sitting, tutoring, food delivery, or any other job that doesn’t require a full-time commitment.

Create a New Budget

Your existing budget may not accurately reflect the current prices of goods and services. If you haven’t reviewed your budget in a while, now might be the right time to create a new one. When creating a new budget, consider new prices of goods and services. Do your research to find out which prices have been affected by inflation. Gas, rent, and many essential grocery items in Canada have increased prices. A survey found that most Manitobans are tightening their budgets to deal with the rising cost of living.

When creating a new budget, take your income into account. Has your income changed in the past year? Are you expecting a raise? Have you picked up a side hustle? It’s important for your budget to accurately represent your income and expenses to avoid cash flow problems.

Be Strategic with New Debt

The Bank of Canada kept debt interest rates low during the pandemic to offset inflation, but it raised rates in 2022. When rates go up, any debt you take can cost you more. So, it’s important to be strategic with the new debt you take on.

Despite the higher interest rates, short-term loans can help you deal with unforeseen expenses and survive today’s challenging economy. Considering taking a short-term installment loan to deal with rising inflation. Look for a reputable lender offering an online payday loan in Winnipeg and other cities in Manitoba, and take the amount you need to gain control of your finances. A benefit of an online loan is that you can skip the lengthy application process and red tape, allowing you to gain easy access to cash when you need it.

The rising inflation rate is affecting many individuals and households in Manitoba, but implementing the right strategies can help you gain control of your finances. Take some time to increase your income, create a new budget, and find an online payday lender to ease your financial troubles.


This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service in the article.