The Daily Money: This is how Americans are coping with inflation

Everyday costs are going up, wages remain flat, and households are struggling to budget as inflation maintains its tight grip on the economy. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The Daily Money ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW   Friday, September 30 TGIF, Daily Money readers! Before you rush off toward the weekend, not to mention the first day of October tomorrow, let's break down Friday's top headlines. The biggest question for Americans when it comes to Social Security: When should I start claiming it? You could claim early and hold off withdrawing money from other retirement accounts, or you could start drawing from retirement accounts now and delay claiming Social Security for the biggest benefit. But here's the dilemma: what do you do when costs go up and the value of your retirement savings go down, as is happening now thanks to inflation? 'We're all trying to make it' Everyday costs are going up, wages remain flat, and households are struggling to budget as inflation maintains its tight grip on the economy. A recent U.S. Census Bureau survey found more than one-third of Americans said it was somewhat or very difficult to pay for household expenses.  The Fed is trying to curb inflation by hiking interest rates. However, the lower- and moderate-income Americans hit hardest by inflation must then grapple with the higher credit card debt and rising mortgage rates that come with the Fed's moves. My USA TODAY colleagues spoke with Americans across the nation to learn how they are adjusting to this new economic reality. We also want to hear from you. How are you coping with historic consumer prices? Fill out this form and share your experiences. 📰 More stories you shouldn't miss 📰 An insurance fraud expert's warning. Watch out for Hurricane Ian scams.  Recall news. A pill marketed for male sexual enhancement has been recalled after potentially dangerous tadalafil was detected. This couple started a family living in an Airstream. And they visited 33 states while doing it. 🍔 Today's Menu 🍔 What better way to end the week then to answer one of life's great mysteries. Are "the meat sweats" a real thing? Absolutely. About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TLDR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23. 'We're all trying to make it': From California to Georgia, how... From an Ohio farmer struggling with higher fertilizer prices to a Georgia state employee forced out of retirement, these are the faces of inflation. Lose-lose situation: Americans face high inflation, rising borrowing... Fraud expert warns Florida homeowners of Hurricane Ian scams Should you postpone taking Social Security? Here's what to consider. Why are travelers becoming more demanding? Pill marketed for male sexual enhancement recalled from Walmart,... This young couple became a family living full-time in their Airstream Not all Florida theme parks have reopened after Hurricane Ian Not sure which smartwatch is for you? We tested Apple, Fitbit and... Have a burning question for HR? Ask our expert   Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback © 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102