The global economy is now experiencing an economic crisis not felt in 20 years. With all the instability, women are exposed to the effects of inflation and debt that create financial and emotional insecurities worldwide. In the United States, the inflation rate is currently 7.5% and is anticipated to continue to rise; it’s the highest since February 1982, an inflation rate not felt in 40 years. The continued rise in inflation rates globally will impact middle- and low-income women the most as they struggle to pay for food, clothing, and transportation costs—everyday essentials needed to maintain a financially and emotionally secure lifestyle until the soon coming recession ends.
How did this happen?
There will be many excuses for the rise in global inflation and the 40-year-high inflation rates in the United States. The number one reason will be the pandemic, but that’s far from the truth and should not be accepted.
Once again, American federal and state politicians have failed American women. I survived the last great recession between 2007 and 2009 and the 13.50% inflation rate in 1980. I know this financial crisis, too, will pass. Still, it’s time for the middle class and low-income women to understand that political accountability needs to be taken to a higher level.
Think long and hard about your voting decisions in the November 2022 election cycle. The congressional members and governors in the following states, which have the highest cost of increased living in 2022, should not receive female voters’ support:
Hawaii, 193.3%
District of Columbia, 158.1%
New York, 148.2%
California, 142.2%
Massachusetts, 135%
When does it end?
Many experts offer advice about solving the economic crisis and speculate about when it will end. However, they all are using their “best guesses.” Best guesses don’t help women buy food, clothing, or pay for gas.
According to EURweb, in 2022, the rise in inflation significantly impacts everyday products and services, including the following:
Car and Truck Rentals (+87.7%)
Used Cars and Trucks (+45.2%)
Gasoline (+45.1%)
Fuel Oil (+44.5%)
Washers and Dryers (+29.4%)
Airline Fares (+24.6%)
Propane, Kerosene, and Firewood (+17.7%)
Moving and Storage (+17.3%)
Hotels and Motels (+16.9%)
Women’s Dresses (+15.8%)
Tips for stabilizing
American women are now at a point at which the blame game played by political leaders, CEOs, and the media is irrelevant. It’s time to take care of yourself and your family. The following are some things to think about:
Avoid buying anything that is not essential.
Save money. The loss of employment could occur.
Interest rates will rise. Do not buy a car or house.
Don’t expect an increase in wages to cover inflation in 2022 or 2023.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, congressional members’ idea for saving American middle-class or low-income women, will not work. Read the details.
“High inflation a ‘severe threat’ to the job market and the economic recovery.”
—Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Feb. 2022.
Can you make money with high inflation rates?
It depends on who you talk with or listen to regarding the current situation. However, it takes money to make money. Do you have an investment account?
I realize that many middle-class women and low-income women don’t have financial advisors or investment accounts. But if you do call your financial advisor for help or don’t have an investment account, it’s time to start one that understands the dynamics of making money.
It’s hard to handle.
I’ll agree with billionaire Carl Icahn: “There are far too many ‘terrible CEOs’ not held accountable in the U.S.”
There is nothing more precious to American politicians, CEOs, and the media than money. The pressure felt from the loss of funds from wealthy contributors, the loss of executive bonuses, and the loss of media advertising money has an enormous effect on how individuals and groups will react in regard to correcting the economic crisis. Middle class and low-income women limiting their buying power will create a difference.
If you would like to calculate the cost of inflation, please visit the CPI Inflation Calculator at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Thank you for this meaningful essay alerting us women to the impact of the economic crises and action steps we can take, Dr. Jacqueline. I especially appreciate your encouragement to focus on essentials-the basics rather than what Ali Anani PhD calls the artificial needs–manufactured by consumerism/corporate greed-“needs” for beverages-like Pepsi, soda, sugary drinks, unnecessary clothing fads, food with no nutritional value-and often can even make a person quite ill-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Navigating the ever-changing circumstances requires much discernment and awareness of one’s deepest values-what’s really essential to life-which can include health, love, relationships, meaningful connections, wisdom, awareness among many others).