To live with inflation, you need to have a very realistic view of what you can do with the money you earn. Concentrate on the things you need, rather than on the things you would like to have but cannot really afford. Regarding this, read in your Bible the inspired apostle’s words at 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

In difficult times, hard measures need to be taken. And these are difficult times. It is a time to reassess your resources, time to sit down with your family and list the income you have against your expenses, then discuss how to cut back expenditures.

One immediate step that many people can take is not to add to their debts, unless it is an emergency.

How about examining some areas where you could save money and that would even do you good in other ways at the same time?

CUTTING BACK NONESSENTIALS

One area where much money can be saved is in recreation, or entertainment. Today some feel that they are not having recreation unless they spend money to go to movies, theaters, sporting events or to eat out at restaurants. Yet in the “old days” most families did not have money for such things, and most of today’s forms of entertainment were not available to the average person anyhow.

Such forms of recreation, even on an irregular basis, can be very costly now. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by finding other recreation, such as within the family circle or with friends. Outings and visits to interesting places can be enjoyable and relatively inexpensive. Playing games with one’s children, or with adults, can be a refreshing break from the pressures of the day. Get-togethers with friends, without one’s spending a lot of money on food or drink, can be pleasurable. Indeed, when families concentrate on finding ways to enjoy themselves without spending much money, they are often surprised at the good results.

A forgotten form of recreation for most people, but now being enjoyed by a growing number of families, is to read wholesome books and magazines together. Taking turns reading aloud and commenting on what is said is stimulating and educational.

Another area where great savings can be attained is in weeding out bad habits. Many people spend large sums of money each year on the tobacco habit​—smoking. Yet, as the Bible indicates and as medical science has verified, smoking is a “defilement of flesh.” (2 Cor. 7:1) It is costly as well as injurious. Cutting out something that is so detrimental makes sense anytime, does it not? Also, the overuse of alcoholic beverages can be very costly in both money and health. While God’s Word does not condemn drinking alcoholic beverages, it does counsel moderation. (Prov. 23:29, 30) The price of such beverages is very high today, so cutting back on these will save money and perhaps one’s health too. The Bible’s counsel was echoed recently by a newspaper, written for mine workers in the United States, which gave these suggestions for economizing: “If you like drinks and do it often, drink less. If you smoke, it’s a good time to quit.”

Many people who never gambled before are turning to it. They think they can make “easy money” this way. Others gamble to ‘get away from their troubles.’ As a newspaper editor in Japan said: “I see people today betting to forget their troubles. They have no hope of buying a house because of inflation. They can’t plan for the future, so they live for today.” Yet, the overwhelming majority of gamblers must lose! Losing is built into gambling, because the “house” always makes a profit. Does this seem like a way to get away from troubles? On the contrary, it usually increases them.​—1 Tim. 6:9.

Of course, much more could be said about saving money in other ways, such as buying cheaper foods but searching for more interesting ways of preparing them. Some are planting gardens where land is available. Housewives can save much money by learning how to sew, and by not being overly concerned about keeping up with the latest fashions. With less concern about such passing matters both women and men could often wear clothing much longer than they do now.