By Sanjea Taylor, World News Editor
Summer is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy the sun; however, for this summer, many people are starting to feel more worried than excited. As temperatures rise, so do everyday costs, leaving families wondering just how expensive this summer will really be.
With this summer, the already high cost of living is combined with seasonal expenses, making everything feel more expensive at once. As people start spending more on things like travel, food, and electricity, those extra costs pile up on top of what they’re already paying year-round.
According to Business Mirror, even simple items like fruit have gone up in price because higher fuel costs make it more expensive to transport goods, showing how gas prices can impact everyday spending.
That same issue is hitting travel plans too, which is something a lot of families look forward to during this time.
Gas prices are close to $4 a gallon, causing many to rethink or even cancel trips because the cost of transportation alone is too much, according to The New York Times. However, the bigger issue of the current cost of living shows why all of this feels even harder to manage right now.
The cost of living crisis isn’t just about prices going up, but also wages not keeping up. This means summer expenses, from food to activities, end up putting even more pressure on already tight budgets.
Despite these rising costs, not everyone has the same viewpoints when it comes to the summer and feels the same financial pressures. Emmanuel Morris, a sophomore majoring in business management, shared his opinion on the current crisis.
“All in all, I wouldn’t say summer feels more expensive for me because I’m working more and making more money. I do spend more, especially on food, but it doesn’t feel as bad since I have more money coming in,” said Morris.
When it comes to planning for summer spending, many people must really think about what works best for them. People should often ask themselves, “Do things like higher gas prices or running the AC more actually affect my budget, or do I notice it more in other ways?”
Morris explained that even though he doesn’t really notice costs like gas or AC as much, he feels the impact more when grocery shopping and trying to stay within a budget.
With everything happening right now, many people should be budgeting as a way to make sure they can stay on top of their spending. Budgeting is important because it helps people plan ahead, control their money, and be better prepared for rising costs.
“I usually set aside part of my check and use the rest for the week. Even then, that saved money usually ends up going toward something like a trip or plans,” stated Morris.
At the end of the day, how expensive summer feels really depends on each person’s situation and how they manage their money. Still, with prices continuing to rise, being more aware of spending habits can make a big difference in getting through the season without added stress.
