From cars and home repairs to vacations and even groceries, inflation has forced our readers to cut back on what they buy.

When we asked what they are postponing, nearly 200 responded, with some saying they are just getting by. Their stories show how broad the squeeze has become, with some expressing deep worry about their retirement years, medical bills, and how much longer they can maintain their homes.

A handful said they felt unaffected, but most expressed that inflation has changed how they spend.

Putting off the big stuff

The most common theme in the responses was delaying or canceling major purchases — cars, appliances, and home renovations that once felt within reach.

“I need a new water heater and have put it off ‘til later as it is a good hunk of cash.”

“I am patching the rust holes in my Wife’s 18-year-old car because of the price of good used cars.”

One reader said, “We were toying with the ideas of new windows for our home and a new car. Neither of which will happen now. It is tough enough to go to the grocery store these days!”

Others described similar deferrals. “I postponed a primary bathroom remodeling project for two reasons: 1. The costs of materials were going up and 2. The job market and economy feel uncertain, making this a less-than-ideal time to be spending large sums of money.”

Some acted early, buying before they thought prices would climb further. “I bought a car in early September because I expect ALL car prices to increase as tariffs start to affect foreign manufacturers. American manufacturers will raise their prices as foreign brands are forced to raise theirs.”

Even when purchases did happen, sticker shock was everywhere. “We did purchase a new AC/HVAC system. The unit was 9k three years ago, we postponed until it really died. Well, it died this summer and it cost us 15k.”

Scaling back the everyday

Just as common were smaller adjustments: fewer dinners out, trimmed grocery lists, or canceled family outings.

“We try to live within our means. We often put off eating out because it is so expensive. We went out to a mid priced restaurant and spent $130 for dinner. And that is without drinking or before the tip.”

Another wrote, “Buying groceries is definitely much more expensive. We are also not eating out as much due to costs.”

“Senior citizen here. Trying to keep my grocery tab down isn’t easy. It’s not just eggs anymore. I’m buying less, switching to house brands, sticking to sale items when I can. How does a family with kids to feed even manage?”

For some, the sacrifices had real emotional weight. “We have 4 adult children and grands that we plan excursions with and we’re not this year. We’re also not or didn’t do our annual reunion event for Back to School for family around the country. We made it a ZOOM event.”

Others described adjusting habits more creatively. “Last year, our 50-year-old central air conditioner died. This spring, rather than replace it for $7- to $9,000, we bought a window unit for the bedroom only, surprisingly cheap at $230.”

And there was the reader who summed it up with humor: “Boat? House? Overseas vacation? Try a new toaster and a Keurig coffee machine. At least then I could sit on my balcony at sunrise with my toast and coffee pretending I see the ocean. 😂”

Living with deeper worry

Beyond the individual purchases, readers expressed a more sobering undercurrent: fear about the future, particularly among retirees and those on fixed incomes.

“First of all, fixed retirement income and inflation absolutely do not mix! What we considered routine expenditures are now put off or else we think twice about them: weekend trips, upgrades to landscaping, interior painting. Many things we now do ourselves: pest control, yard work, repairs. We do not go out to dinner anymore, and keep to basics when grocery shopping.”

Another wrote, “I am retired, live alone on a very fixed income and have had to put off needed home repairs on my Westside Cleveland residence due to escalating costs on utilities (specifically gas and electric), home/car insurance (up 30 percent over 2024), property tax increase, health/medical insurance and copays, groceries, and internet wifi/steaming increases. I suspect 2026 will prove even more difficult to manage.”

One lamented, “I need a good used car. I presently drive a 2006 Dodge Caravan. I live on Social Security only. Plus disabled and can’t work. … I never drive when it gets dark and rarely drive over five miles. … This is not how imagined spending my golden years doing.”

Healthcare costs came up often. “60 plus years of good dental habits, yearly check-up, twice a year cleaning, etc. COVID broke that. … Long story short, I’m looking at $6K in dental work. Almost all of it out of pocket. … Now, I’m carefully, sorting out what has to be done, what should be done, and what I can, maybe, get away with not doing at all.”

The uncertainty left some clinging to caution. “I’ve cut back on everything. With all of the uncertainty swirling around the future of this country I can’t justify spending extra on anything that’s not a need. All extra money in our budget now goes to savings.”

And for a few, the frustration spilled into despair. “It is quite literally cheaper for us to die than trying to keep up with the high cost of living. At least our final costs are prepaid & won’t burden anyone. We’re (treading) water & not making any progress. Can’t the government throw us a life line?”

A mixed picture

Not every respondent was struggling. A few emphasized their stability. “We are retired but lived frugally and have well diversified assets, including a year worth of cash, so we basically are able to purchase what we want. We just grimace at some of the prices.”

Another said, “Just bought a condo on Daniel Island in Charleston SC. Paying to get it completely painted and all new furniture. We are not putting any spending on hold, but we know we are lucky to be in good shape financially.”

Still, the overwhelming picture was of Ohioans tightening their belts and putting off both necessities and dreams. The range of responses — from delaying a water heater to canceling European vacations — showed that inflation touches nearly every corner of life.

As one reader put it: “If I don’t really need it and it’s overpriced, I don’t buy it. It’s not the money. It’s the idea.”

Artificial intelligence helped prepare this story