Dear Chuck,
I’m what you’d call a “soccer mom.” We have three kids, and I feel like I run a taxi service for all their sports. Our health insurance is going up, gasoline prices are up, and groceries are killing our budget. I doubt we can afford a bigger house now that interest rates are high. How do good stewards deal with all of this at once?
Overwhelmed With Family Expenses
Dear Overwhelmed With Family Expenses,
That is a lot of concern packed into a small paragraph! Whether you are a “soccer mom” or a “dual-income no-kids family” (DINK), many Americans are feeling the same financial pinch. Let’s look at the big picture and then narrow it down to some of your specific areas of pain.
Widespread Economic Concerns
Most Americans have negative views of the U.S. economy right now. According to Pew Research, “About three-in-ten U.S. adults (28%) rate economic conditions in the country as excellent or good, while roughly seven-in-ten (72%) rate them as only fair or poor.”
Experts Agree
Sarah Foster at Bankrate says, “The massive post-pandemic price burst hasn’t just challenged consumers’ ability to afford the items they want and need. It’s also damaged their personal finances, making it harder for consumers to take the prudent financial steps that could set them up for success in the long run… Those steps include saving for emergencies, investing in retirement, and covering expenses without incurring credit card debt.”
Taryn Phaneuf at Nerdwallet writes, “No single factor can explain why food is so much more expensive now than before the pandemic. Food prices—which are up 34.6% since 2019—remain high because of the combined impact of rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and corporate profits.”
Little Decisions Can Lead to Big Relief
Sports
I have a friend who is the father of six children. He and his wife made a decision to simplify their lives and ease the cost of youth sports. Their rule was that if the child wanted to be in sports, the only sport they could do was running because it was the least expensive, it was good for them, and they could practice it anywhere. All of them turned out to be capable runners. Consider a similar narrowing of sports options to protect your time and expense. Furthermore, ride sharing with other moms can help ease your costs and nerves.
Health Care
Look into health care co-ops. Many people are moving to this lower-cost alternative to health insurance. Practice preventive medicine by monitoring your children’s diet with healthy options instead of fast food.
Groceries
It is wise to purchase in bulk to capture available discounts. Check into:
Housing
While I understand you may be cramped in a smaller home, find joy and contentment where you are now. Stress increases when we live in the future. We know young couples who rent to enjoy low maintenance and flexibility, while others are looking at smaller homes to avoid the high costs associated with a bigger one.
Steps to Avoid Being Overwhelmed
Be optimistic and grateful. Invite the children and like-minded friends to participate so you can encourage one another. Limit time with those who are big spenders. Here are some other ideas:
Got Debt?
Credit card bills that are not paid off monthly are harming the financial state of many American families. Aim to pay off the one costing you the most in interest first. Apply any extra income (raises, tax refunds, gifts, etc.), savings from cooking at home, and reduced expenses (like a low utility bill) to that debt. When that one is paid off, direct the money toward other interest-bearing debt, and put some toward building your emergency fund.
Set specific goals, and eventually build short- and long-term savings. Plan ahead for future needs: car and home repairs and maintenance, school supplies and uniforms, etc.
Study your bills to gain insight into how to reduce them. For example, what grocery or household purchases are more inflated than others? Try doing without, finding substitutions, or making your own, like salad dressing, bread, and cleaning supplies. Research options online.
Use “Taxi” Time Wisely
Keep It in Perspective
In November 2008, Zimbabwe experienced the second-highest recorded inflation rate in history. It reached a peak of 89.7 sextillion (10²¹) percent.
Not long ago, I was attending an economic forum where a panel of Americans discussed their concerns over “double-digit” inflation, as if it were unbearable. During the exchange, a few Zimbabweans offered consultation by explaining how they survived the second-worst hyperinflation ever recorded. They watched their money become worthless; yet they found joy in the midst of a financial meltdown. God brought them through the crisis, and many look back on their losses as a blessing in disguise, as their priorities dramatically shifted toward appreciating all the things that money cannot buy.
Consider posting a card or note in a prominent place in your home that expresses your gratitude for all the small things that bring you joy each day. Counting your blessings will have a positive impact on you and your family.
Additional Resources
Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help you find freedom with your finances. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.
This article was originally published in The Christian Post on April 10, 2026.
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