By Amy Persyn

I have been unintentionally eavesdropping, mostly when out and about shopping. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone remark on the cost of things in the aisle. And, on a recent neighborhood group text, we exchanged gripes about our escalating energy bills.  As Michigan families face escalating costs—from groceries to utilities—managing a tight budget has become more challenging. In 2025, the average monthly grocery bill for a single adult in Michigan is approximately $236.38. Electricity costs on average around $203 per month. These increases strain household budgets, making it essential to adopt effective strategies to maximize savings and minimize expenses.

Automate Savings to Build Financial Resilience
Setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account can help you save consistently without thinking about it. Even small, regular deposits add up over time, providing a financial cushion for unexpected expenses. With unpredictability, prepare for budget overages.

Reevaluate Recurring Expenses
Review your monthly subscriptions and memberships. Eliminate those that are underused or unnecessary. This simple step can free up funds that can be redirected toward savings or essential expenses. Scan your app—sometime those free trials can get away from us too. 

Embrace Energy-Efficient Practices
With electricity costs averaging $203 per month in Michigan, adopting energy-saving habits can significantly reduce your utility bills. Simple actions like using energy-efficient appliances, unplugging devices when not in use, and sealing drafts can lead to substantial savings over time. If you are a 90s kid like me, I feel like I’ve turned into my parents when I tell my family to “Turn off the lights!” and shouting “In or out!” to save a little bit of temperate air in the house! Little efforts can pay off.  

Shop Smart and Plan Meals
Grocery expenses are a significant part of household budgets. Planning meals ahead of time, creating shopping lists, and sticking to them can help avoid impulse purchases. Utilizing coupons, shopping during sales, and buying in bulk for non-perishable items can also lead to considerable savings. Don’t get me wrong: I will splurge on dining out or carryout this week, but I am cutting costs on grocery bills to afford the luxury of saving time. 

Utilize Community Resources and Financial Tools
Many Michigan communities offer resources to assist families in managing living costs. Programs like the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program provide additional funds for purchasing nutritious food during the summer months. Additionally, financial institutions often offer budgeting tools and financial counseling services to help you manage your finances more effectively if you are struggling with debt. We have a whole section on www.fsb.bank/education that has resources that are free and anonymous.

If rising costs have you feeling the pinch, these steps can help ease some of the strain on your budget and help your dollars stretch further. Need more assistance? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a relationship manager at your bank. They can point you in the direction of budgeting tools, and accounts to help you keep your finances under control. We take pride in helping our customers make the most of their money so they can have a financial future that’s healthy and strong.

Featured in Macomb Now Magazine