‘A forced return to the simple life’
The rupee crossing 72 against the US dollar has badly affected all sections of society, particularly the middle-class. The government has consistently failed to rein in the fluctuating prices of essential commodities like foodgrains, vegetables, fruits and fuel.
I have dramatically altered my lifestyle so that I can have some form of savings to fall back on, when times turn rough. Among some of the austerity measures I have taken are reducing my use of my private vehicle.
I walk to places that are close by and use public transport to avoid having to refuel.
I’ve also drastically cut down on my eating out and I’ve postponed some of my travel plans because the expenditure was affecting my annual budget, especially in the current currency scenario.
It is high time the government woke up to our grievances and offered us some respite from this high inflation.
Mustafa Masalawala carpooling. Five employees travel together, so we can save on fuel, a move that can also help reduce vehicular pollution. As a family, we have started budgeting more carefully, allocating sums to entertainment, travel and saving.
I would suggest the government consider bringing petrol and diesel under the purview of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), to bring prices down.
Vivek Toshniwal reality check for me, and I guess many in our city. The government will take time to work out a formula, but my family has no choice but to act in the meanwhile to improve our finances.
I have decided to start my day early to use the BEST and local train. As for holidays, all I have planned is local sites. Let’s see all that’s around us before going to international locations.
Commuting for work and education are a priority, so we are cutting down on unnecessary, long drives and narrowing such drives to planned trips.
A few families in our neighbourhood have been discussing getting together and buying groceries online in bulk, to save on money and time.
We as a family have also decided to avoid going to multiplexes and will be opting for the old-school fun of watching movies at single-screen theatres.
Aarti Chawla expenses in a time of rising prices. I ensure that the air-conditioner is used as little as possible at home, and that we switch off lights, fans and TV when we’re not in the room.
Good time management can help one save too — leave early and take public transport, or carpool. I make it a point to take the bus to work every day.
We don’t waste food, and I grow my own leafy vegetables, coriander and curry leaves in my balcony and on the terrace. This ensures they are fresh, organic — and free.
When prices of pulses soar, I look for alternatives. Eggs and soybean are also rich sources of protein.
On a positive note, I consider soaring prices a chance to teach our children how to value the rupee, be thrifty, budget, and cut down on waste.
Veena Shenoy