Here are some tips to avoid inflation’s sting as prices jump

It’s become impossible to ignore that prices are going up. 

Last month, inflation accelerated at its fastest pace since 1982. The consumer price index, which measures the cost of a wide-ranging basket of goods, rose 0.8% for the month. Year over year, prices jumped 6.8%. 

“Households are facing higher prices at every turn,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

In the past year, staples like food, up 6.1%, energy, up 33.3%, and shelter, up at the fastest pace since 2007 at 3.5%, are putting a major squeeze on household budgets, he said.

Meanwhile, the median U.S. salary increase for 2021 is 3%, according to data from The Conference Board.

However, even without a bigger raise, there are ways to combat inflation. Here are three places to start: 

To counteract higher prices, you can negotiate a better deal on almost anything, according to Andres Lares, managing partner at Shapiro Negotiations Institute in Baltimore.

Start by building a rapport, then ask if there are any programs or discounts you qualify for, Lares advised. “There is no harm in asking.”

Streaming services, insurance premiums, cable bills, cell phone plans and gym memberships — especially now — are classic examples of recurring costs that are often negotiable, and so is the APR on your credit card.

Consumers who call and ask for a lower rate are almost always successful, studies show, and that can be a great tool for reducing monthly expenses.

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If you find the lender or seller isn’t willing to come down in price, consider other options.

Lares said: “If it is a new or used car, can the dealership throw in free oil changes for a year? If it is lodging, can they upgrade you to a better view?”

“Don’t always just think discount,” Lares added.

Getting more for your money is a good way to add value at the same price.

Not everything will always be more expensive. Some price hikes could be temporary, and, in that case, it may pay to hold out.

“You can defer purchases that are not immediately necessary,” said Neil Gilfedder, a senior vice president of portfolio management at Edelman Financial Engines.

For example, used car and truck prices, which had been a major contributor to the inflation burst, are up 31.4%, making this a particularly challenging time to shop for a car. 

However, the chip shortage which helped drive up prices is expected to alleviate in the months ahead and cars generally become less expensive in January, when dealers look to unload last year’s models.  

Similarly, sky-high demand for home improvements coupled with supply-chain slowdowns caused some building supplies, including lumber, steel, gypsum and copper, to hit record highs this year.

But remodels may become more affordable soon, too, as demand for raw materials cools in the winter months.

“Wait it out until it’s possibly cheaper in the future,” Gilfedder said.

If you must buy something that suddenly costs more, that’s a more difficult situation, he added. “This is an example of when an emergency fund can come in.”

Any extra savings will shield you from having to rely on credit cards or other types of high-interest debt.

To maintain your purchasing power over the longer term, determine the right assets for your investments, considering your income, expenses, risk tolerance and time horizon.

If inflation is above what you’re earning in Treasurys, that part of your portfolio loses buying power. But, there are other options that make up for it.

For example, consider a mix of commodities, Treasury inflation-protected securities and equities to offer some security.

“Over very long periods of time, it is likely that a properly diversified portfolio which includes equities, real estate, and TIPs can provide the needed return to combat inflation,” said Dan Keady, chief financial planning strategist at TIAA.

“Stay with diversification and rebalance back to your target portfolio at least yearly rather than trying to time short-term movements,” he advised.