PeopleImages // ShutterstockYou probably felt the sting of high prices during your holiday shopping or last trip to the grocery store. “The affordability crisis is hitting everyone hard, and if you are feeling stretched, you are not alone,” Barnes says. He recommends tracking prices on staples you already buy and stocking up when prices drop. This may include personal loans with lower fixed interest rates or secured options if you have equity in a home or vehicle. You can only spend the amount of money available in your account, which minimizes the risks of adding any debt.