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personal finances

Months of inflation and high cost of living spurring Chilliwack residents to make different choices

Nov 9, 2022 | 4:29 PM

CHILLIWACK — “It was hard to find full-time work when I first moved here. Rent is a little more expensive where I’m from, so when I go to the grocery store, I have to really cut back and make different choices,” said Maya, a 24-year-old bartender in the Chilliwack downtown core. “I don’t eat what I want, I eat what I can afford.”

These are sentiments shared by many residents in the current era of sky-high inflation and increases in living expenses.

The situation around affordability in the Fraser Valley has caused some people to make career changes in search of a better income. “I needed more money to make ends meet and just being someone’s employee was not cutting it, so I had to borrow some money from my parents and start a new business from scratch,” said Alex a 33-year-old new business owner.

The challenges facing Alex and Maya are likely indirect but intended causes of the Bank of Canada’s strategy to fight inflation across the country. Their struggles are also signs, the strategy to slow the economy is beginning to pay off.

According to Bank of Montreal Deputy Chief Economist Michael Gregory, it’s expected the Bank of Canada will hold off on further rate hikes through the end of the year so it can properly assess the impact of the latest half-point hike. In his November 9 report, he writes “we judge there’ll be enough progress made to forestall further rate hikes but not enough to encourage rate cuts until early 2024.”

Gregory and other economists continue to foresee a shallow recession in 2023. In the meantime, there are some strategies consumers can take to improve their financial situation.

Fraser Valley Today asked financial planner Bharathi Sandhu of Nava Wealth, about ways residents can try and keep their heads above water financially. “There are always quick fixes like carpooling, coupon books, and sale hunting that goes a long way if focused on your annual budget.”

She also encourages her clients to face their troubles head-on. “Don’t be afraid to call the credit card company or other debt services and ask for a better rate or consolidation. At times we may be reluctant to do so, but taking that first step can alleviate a lot of stress”.