Money Crunch: What If You Can’t ‘Out-Budget’ Inflation?

Money Crunch: What If You Can’t ‘Out-Budget’ Inflation?
Twenty dollar bills are counted in North Andover, Mass., on June 15, 2018. Rising prices can feel impossible to manage if money is already tight. Elise Amendola/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

Inflation is a nightmare for the many Americans who already stretch their dollars to cover basic needs. What happens when those dollars lose value?

Their choice is probably not about whether to cut streaming services or opt for store-brand groceries. Instead, they may have to pick between buying enough food and paying rent.