When you are setting up a budget, setting up a certain amount for gas, groceries, etc… can be pretty easy, until those prices go up after a month or two. Suddenly a tank of gas, that is usually budgeted for $40 per month, is now looking like $50 instead. This can throw off your budget, especially if your budget is very tight.
This is not a time to panic, but to get used to adjusting your budget, accordingly, adding a bit of wiggle room here and there. This could mean adding a “buffer” of around $50 to your budget, that can be added to anything each month. If you go over on gas or groceries, that’s where the buffer comes in. Budgeting is all about adapting to changes in your life, which unfortunately means adapting to rising prices.