Prices are skyrocketing faster than a space shuttle, leaving many of us feeling like we’ve crash-landed on a barren planet with no resources. But fear not! Financial planner and co-CEO of virtual planning firm 2050 Wealth Partners, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, advises us to start by facing reality and being honest with ourselves about our needs. Yes, that means admitting that we can no longer afford our daily $10 lattes or weekly private jet trips to the Maldives.

Inflation is like a thief in the night, sneaking in and stealing our hard-earned cash while we’re sleeping. Braxton suggests there are two methods of dealing with it: either make more money, or spend less. Unfortunately, robbing a bank or winning the lottery are not always the most viable options, so we may have to resort to cutting back on our expenses. But let’s be honest, we could all do with a little less extravagance in our lives. Who needs a diamond-encrusted toilet seat, anyway?

The consumer price index (CPI) is like the Richter scale of inflation, measuring just how much we’re being screwed over by the rising cost of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI has increased by a jaw-dropping 5% in the past year, like a rocket blasting off into the stratosphere. But wait, it gets worse – average wages haven’t kept up with this ludicrous increase! In fact, hourly earnings have fallen by 0.7% in the past year after factoring in inflation. It’s like trying to row a boat against a tsunami – good luck with that.

So, what can we do to combat this financial tsunami? Braxton suggests that the best defense is acceptance. No, not acceptance of defeat, but acceptance that prices have increased and there’s not a damn thing we can do about it. We may have to give up our daily avocado toast and settle for some moldy bread, but we can make it work. After all, beggars can’t be choosers.

In conclusion, there’s no doubt that inflation is a pain in the butt. It’s like a mosquito buzzing around our ears, constantly annoying us with its incessant whining. However, with Braxton’s advice in mind, we can face this pesky pest head-on. We may have to make some sacrifices and tighten our belts (or yoga pants, in my case), but we can survive. And who knows, maybe we’ll discover that the simpler things in life – like a cheap bottle of wine and a bag of stale chips – are actually quite enjoyable.

Serious News: cnbc