Inflation hurting Floridians, nearly half struggle paying bills new study says

Many in Florida are scrambling, trying to afford the basic necessities. It is no secret that a lot of people are feeling the impacts of inflation. But a new poll shows just how difficult things are for people now.

48% of Floridians say they’re struggling to keep up with the rising prices of their bills. So, they’re changing the way they live because of it. Food and eating out are the first places where families cut back. Then comes cutting back on trips to Walmart or Target. All of this is because the dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to.

Peter Diburro moved to Fort Myers from Boston for the weather. “At least I can enjoy the warm weather that’s free right?” Diburro said.

Diburro likes the sun but not the spiking cost of living. Researchers at the University of South Florida found that nearly half of all Floridians are struggling to pay their bills because of inflation. The number one place where people choose to cut back is at the grocery store.

“Makes a big difference. I know, you have to cut back on certain things to avoid other things. So not too happy with it, But you have to move you have to deal with it,” said Diburro.

Tom Netti says either your budget has to increase or not. “The budget has increased for meats, groceries, etc. And the different areas that were used prescription drugs over the counter, and other things have just gone up,” Netti said.

That means people have to watch every penny they earn and every penny they spend. Booke Kantack lives in Fort Myers. “I’m definitely more cost-aware with just what things cost and looking at the value of certain like brands like should I get the generic brand is that better than the brand, and then just kind of seeing what options weigh out and where I can save money,” said Kantack.

But many fear that now is that saving money won’t be enough to make ends meet. “If things keep going up it’s gonna get tougher and tougher,” Diburro said.

“I understand inflation, I understand the situation. So I’m going to have to live with it. We’ve had in the past we’ll have in the future,” said Netti.

But, that doesn’t mean anyone has to like it. Those that WINK News reporter Tiffany Rizzo spoke to said the next thing to cut back on would be vacations.