Last year, a survey by CNBC and Acorns Invest in You revealed that 25% of Americans experienced financial stress on a constant basis.

With the depletion of government aid and the prolongation of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans are facing financial strain.

Nearly 4,000 adults participated in an online survey conducted by Momentive, revealing that one-quarter of Americans experienced financial stress all the time last year, according to CNBC + Acorns Invest in You. The survey was conducted March 23-24.

In the last year, 41% of people reported feeling financially stressed sometimes, while 33% said they rarely or never experienced financial stress.

As inflation increases, how can you prepare for a potential increase in heating costs this winter? What are some ways to find investment opportunities and save money during this time? Additionally, what are four smart financial moves to make before the end of the year?

Americans are facing financial stress due to the highest inflation in 40 years, which has caught many people off guard, according to Susan Greenhalgh, an accredited financial counselor who runs Mind Your Money in Hope, Rhode Island.

She stated that we are unsure of how to handle them and how to address them, but focusing on our spending is always beneficial.

Shifting the budget

Financial stress appears to be hitting those with lower incomes the hardest.

A survey found that almost 60% of individuals with a household income below $50,000 reported experiencing more financial stress currently compared to a year ago.

45% of people making more than $100,000 and 53% of people in households making between $50,000 and $100,000 annually said the same thing.

Tania Brown, an Atlanta-based certified financial planner and founder of FinanciallyConfidentMom.com, advised that those who are struggling the most with their finances may have to make some serious choices. She recommended prioritizing essentials such as rent, food, utilities, and basic medical expenses before anything else.

In this environment, other bills may have to be set aside," she said. "Your income may make it difficult to keep your home.

In addition to her suggestion to contact creditors for assistance and explore utility cost-lowering programs based on income, she also advised examining monthly expenses and subscriptions for potential reduction or cancellation, such as internet or cable costs.

Several methods exist for locating gas deals, including utilizing GasBuddy, carpooling, and consolidating errands to minimize trips.

Other ways to reduce expenses include reducing the use of heating and cooling systems, and choosing vegetarian meals.

Brown advised that families should not feel guilty if they have to use their emergency savings to stay afloat during tough times, as that is the purpose of having such funds.

“You’re using it as intended,” she said.

Prices may keep rising

Despite not feeling stressed all the time about inflation, Americans may be experiencing more financial stress due to rising prices, with 52% reporting an increase in financial stress compared to a year ago.

To stay on top of the rapidly changing prices, people should regularly review their budgets, advised Brown.

She advised me to be more proactive in reviewing my budget and examining my spending habits from the previous month, as the figures may fluctuate. She suggested giving myself more flexibility.

To achieve your financial goals, you may need to save less, reevaluate your short-term objectives, or seek a higher-paying job or raise.

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Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.