In Atlanta, a research tech with diabetes reduces the cost of his insulin by demanding answers. Outside of Boston, a neighborhood bands together to provide free food to residents. In Rhode Island, a military spouse takes up part-time work to cover basic necessities. Hundreds of miles away in Chicago, two families team up to afford child care expenses. All across the country, Americans who are priced out come up with solutions to make ends meet.
The rising costs of everyday essentials and crucial services -- from housing and food to child care and health care -- are undermining the financial stability of US families. At CNET Money, we set out to show how people are coping through self-advocacy and reliance on their communities. The stories in our Priced Out series shine a spotlight on the essential tools and resources to navigate a changing economic world.
Paying the Price of Therapy: When Mental Health Treatment Is Out of Reach
Low-cost clinics, online apps and support groups are helping Americans get care that's more affordable and accessible.
Why Is It So Hard to Afford the Basic Things in Life? Here's What Experts Tell Us
The high cost of living is about way more than just inflation.
Health Care Is Too Expensive: How Patients Advocate for Themselves to Lower Costs
Understanding your medical coverage options and demanding answers are critical tools.
Housing Costs Are Unbearable. How Renters and Homeowners Are Adjusting
Rising rents and high mortgage rates in the US put a squeeze on family budgets.
The Child Care System Is Fraying at Both Ends
Child care costs are steep and providers are earning a pittance. Meanwhile, families are finding creative solutions.
Military Families Are Facing Their Own Housing Crisis
Long waiting lists for on-base housing and limited off-base resources are leaving military families with steep expenses.
Caring for Aging Relatives is Draining, Both Financially and Emotionally
This is how my family is navigating health insurance hurdles and high eldercare costs.
Millions of Americans Can't Afford Their Prescription Drugs. Now What?
As the cost of medication soars, patients are turning to online coupons and financial assistance programs.
The Latest
Is Affordable Health Care Impossible? How Patients Find Ways to Lower Costs
Becoming your own self-advocate and understanding your medical coverage are critical tools.
As the Cost of Food Goes Up, Community Fridges and Food Banks Step In
The prices of everyday staples like bread and eggs aren't easing anytime soon.
If You Can't Afford the Cost of Therapy, It's Not Your Fault
Low-cost clinics, online apps and support groups make mental health treatment more accessible and affordable.
What I've Learned About the Financial Toll of Taking Care of Aging Relatives
Eldercare is more than just out-of-pocket costs.
How Parents Find Creative Solutions to the Child Care Affordability Crisis
Over half of American households spend more than 20% of their income on child care costs.
Prescription Drug Costs Are Making Americans Sicker. Here's How They're Coping
As the cost of medication soars, patients are turning to online coupons and financial assistance programs.
Rising Rents and High Mortgage Rates: Housing Costs Squeeze Budgets to the Brink
Housing is the biggest expense for those living paycheck to paycheck. Here's how families adjust.
Bearing the Financial Cost of Pregnancy: What Expecting Parents Should Expect
When a baby is on the way, families find ways to get around high out-of-pocket costs.
What Military Families Do When Facing an Affordable Housing Crisis
Financial help and resources could bring some hope to service members and their families.
Can't Afford the Basics? The High Cost of Living Is About Way More Than Inflation
Everything is expensive. Experts tell us why.