COVID Prepared Us For Inflation

In 2015, my wife and I decided to retire at the same time; she was 62 and I was 67.  I got full benefits and she received partial benefits.

From 2015-2019 (5 years), we traveled as if our lives depended upon it.  Aside from the standard staying at Myrtle Beach, SC twice each year, we went on Caribbean Cruises, a Mediterranean Cruise, an Hawaiian Island Cruise, an Alaskan Cruise, Visited Las Vegas 3 times, flew to London, Paris, Rome, visited Switzerland by train, and also vacationed several times along the Gulf Coast, as well as on the Eastern side and Western side of Florida.  All total, we had 12 Cruises, 3 trips to Hawaii, 3 trips to Europe, 3 trips to the Gulf Coast, 6 trips to Florida, and 10 vacations at Myrtle Beach.

37 Vacations in 60 months.

Our last vacation outside the USA gave us nightmares in the Paris airport as well as the NYC International upon our return.  On the flight from NYC back to Knoxville, we decided that we had enough of traveling and would simply go to Myrtle Beach unless something special surfaced.

As we are all aware, COVID hit the USA like no one expected, and from 2020-2021, not only did we not go on vacation but we did not leave the house unless we had a doctor's appointment.

So, for 2 years, we learned to entertain ourselves at home.  We started venturing out more in 2022 and have a vacation at Myrtle Beach planned for September.

NOW, we have record inflation that keeps increasing.  Record gasoline prices that keep increasing.  And, record food prices that keep increasing not to mention blank shelves due to supply chain issues.

So, my wife and I are again putting into action all the things that we did during COVID...  like:

• buy in bulk as often as you can (check spoilage)
• buy only what you need not what you want
• stop going out for meals
• on the day you are going to be out, plan several visits to pick up things you need
• cook meals that you can freeze
• Dried  beans are cheaper than canned beans
• drive the speed limit
• don't take off fast from stop light/stop sign