When prices go up faster than your paycheck, every rupee starts to feel like it’s vanishing in thin air. Inflation – that slow but steady rise in prices – can feel like a silent thief. It makes groceries cost more, rent bite harder, and saving money for the future seem like a distant dream.

But here’s the truth: you can still save money, even during high inflation. In fact, this is exactly when smart saving matters most.

Let’s break it down into real, doable steps.

1. Track Every Rupee Like It’s Gold

Start with awareness. Inflation hides in plain sight—₹5 more for milk, ₹20 extra on fuel, a sneaky hike in your streaming bill. These “small” changes add up. Track your spending weekly. Use a simple notebook or a free mobile app. You’ll be surprised where your money actually goes.

Why this helps: You can’t control what you don’t see. Tracking gives you the power to cut back wisely.

2. Rework Your Monthly Budget
Think of your budget as a living document, not set in stone. In times of inflation, it needs adjusting. Rethink priorities. Can you eat out less? Switch to local, seasonal vegetables? Cut down on non-essentials, such as subscriptions you rarely use.

Quick tip: Follow the “70-20-10 rule” if possible: 70% for needs, 20% for savings, 10% for wants. Tweak this to suit your life, but always aim to save something, no matter how small.

3. Buy Smart, Not Just Cheap
During inflation, buying cheap things that don’t last will cost more over time. Instead, buy items that are good quality and built to last, especially for clothes, electronics, and appliances.

Pro tip: Buy in bulk when prices are stable—think staples like rice, flour, and oil. It’s old-school, but it works.

4. Say Yes to Side Hustles
In tough times, income is just as important as expenses. Can you tutor online? Sell a skill or a handmade item? Offer services in your neighbourhood? Even a small side income—₹2,000–₹5,000 a month—can take the pressure off.

Remember: Your time is valuable. Invest it wisely.

5. Save First, Spend Later
This golden rule becomes even more important during inflation. Automate your savings—set aside a fixed amount as soon as you receive your income. Even if it’s just ₹500. Over time, it builds discipline and security.

Because the habit of saving is stronger than the amount saved.

6. Avoid Debt Traps
When prices rise, the temptation to swipe credit cards or buy-now-pay-later deals increases. But debt during inflation is risky. Interest rates may rise. Try to avoid borrowing unless it’s urgent, and if you do, plan a clear repayment path.

Inflation Tests Your Financial Wisdom

Yes, inflation is challenging. But it’s also an opportunity to become more aware, more resourceful, and more intentional with your money.

In every economic storm, there’s a lighthouse. For you, it’s your ability to plan, adapt, and keep moving forward. Lokshala is here to guide you on the path of saving money — because financial literacy isn’t just knowledge, it’s power in your pocket.

Don’t let inflation deflate your dreams—inflate your savings strategy instead.