Families in North Texas are getting creative to make ends meet amid rising inflation in the United States. According to NBC News, food is up more than 10 percent, housing costs are up 5.5 percent, and gas prices have almost doubled since a year ago.
One mom has enlisted her kids' help to make some extra cash, using an unconventional approach she hopes will grow across the northern part of Texas. Plano native Lisa Jackey was inspired to get creative to make ends meet during these tough economic times.
She said she thought of a way to make some extra money with her children while getting to know and helping her neighbors offset some of their needs. Jackey added that she thought it would be a great way to cultivate community, help her family do things together, and make some extra money.
Jackey gets creative, posts "Family for Hire" on NextDoor
With her kids' blessing, the single mom of four recently took to the neighborhood forum NextDoor and posted "Family for Hire," according to the Dallas Morning News. Jackey, her three teenagers, and her 11-year-old daughter teamed up to offer services to neighbors who, like them, are struggling with rising prices for services and products.
Jackey listed some of the services they can provide, saying, "Packing is one thing, yard work. Pulling weeds, planting flowers. My youngest loves to garden, so maybe someone needs a garden planted."
Most of the people commenting on her post have provided information thus far about places that are hiring. Some people have offered Jackey's family some work around their home. She admitted that there had been some negative comments about her post, but she knows what her heart wants, and it goes beyond making money for her family to strengthening the community.
Jackey said she lost her corporate job in February and had been searching for a long-term position equivalent to her education and experience. She is also currently working on her second doctorate degree.
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Many Americans struggling with rising prices of goods and services
Jackey, like many Americans, has found herself struggling to keep up with inflation that is at its highest mark in 40 years. She said that it is not just at the grocery store or gas station as her gas bills have tripled because of her gas water heater, while the price for dog food is now $16 more than what she typically pays.
Derrick Kinney, a financial expert and host of the Good Money Podcast, said that weathering inflation with threats of a recession looming should involve the whole family. He said the family should set goals during these tough times and ask questions such as: "Could we drive less? Can we carpool? Could we share something with a neighbor?"
Kinney added that it is also important for families to simplify their finances and consider the most important financial goals.
