Nuevopanoroma — Living with Inflation: real expenses and solutions

During 2025, this family from Villa La Angostura meticulously documented how their family budget was affected by inflation. In January, their weekly food expense was ARS 12,000. By December of the same year, that figure had escalated to ARS 18,500, representing a 54% increase in essential products.

The most affected items were dairy products (67% increase), meats (58% increase) and cleaning products (49% increase). Faced with this situation, the family implemented a three-pillar strategy: first, they conducted an exhaustive analysis of alternative brands that maintained acceptable quality at lower prices. Second, they established a planned weekly menu that eliminated impulse purchases and reduced waste. Third, they began buying non-perishable products in bulk format.

The results were significant. After three months of consistent implementation, they managed to reduce their weekly expense to ARS 15,200, a 20% savings compared to the December peak. The key, according to their testimony, was maintaining a detailed record of prices and not compromising the nutritional quality of family meals.

The main challenge for independent workers during inflationary periods is not just rising prices, but the combination of variable income with growing expenses. This 32-year-old freelance designer experienced income ranging from ARS 90,000 in good months to ARS 45,000 in difficult months, while his fixed expenses increased consistently.

The implemented solution began with opening three separate bank accounts: one for personal expenses, another for business expenses and a third exclusively for taxes. Each time he received a payment, he distributed the money according to fixed percentages: 60% personal expenses, 25% business, 15% taxes. This structure created predictability amid chaos.

Additionally, he renegotiated contracts with his two main software and digital services providers, achieving 15% discounts by committing to advance annual payments. He also implemented a forced savings system of 10% of each income, regardless of amount. After three months, he managed to stabilize his financial situation and create an emergency cushion equivalent to two months of basic expenses.

For retirees dependent on chronic medications, inflation in the health sector represents one of the hardest and least avoidable blows. This case documents the experience of a 68-year-old retiree from Villa La Angostura who manages type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, requiring five daily medications.

In January 2025, his monthly medication expense was ARS 18,000, a figure representing approximately 22% of his minimum ANSES pension of ARS 82,000. By October of the same year, that expense had escalated to ARS 32,000, consuming almost 40% of his monthly income and leaving barely ARS 50,000 for all other expenses: food, services, transportation, and any emergency.

The implemented strategy began with an exhaustive review of his PAMI coverage. He discovered that three of his five medications qualified for the free medication program, but his doctor had not completed the necessary documentation. After managing the procedures correctly, he gained access to these medications at no cost. For the remaining two medications, he implemented a price comparison system between five pharmacies in his area using mobile applications. He found differences of up to 35% in the same medication between different pharmacies. The result: 34% reduction in his monthly medication expense, without compromising his medical treatment.