You live in a country with a rational economy where things are always increasing. The price of what you bought yesterday will change when you go to buy it today. So, you should over-budget. For example, if you budget $3 for something, assume it will cost $3.50.
Also, try to find an extra source of income to complement the spontaneity and rational nature of your economy.
Don't wait for a reason to save; just keep saving. You never know when emergencies will arise, and some will require more money than others.
📌Make saving a habit, no matter how little. Over-budget and allocate extra funds for miscellaneous expenses. Look for an extra source of income that won't overwhelm you, but will add something to your pocket.
Learn to cut unnecessary expenses. Be mindful of things that won't add value to your budget. It's okay to relax sometimes, but if you're not earning much, you need to cut back on extra spending. Don't go for every hang out your friends invite you, know your budget, know what you're going through, and adjust accordingly.
This is not alone your problem we are also having same problem with in last three years things are already out of the control because you post about
$3 for something, assume it will cost $3.50 but we have price doubled or some cases treble which are really terrible, but we are trying to survive in this society because we have no options, and we can't go against them.
Few years back we have low income, but we were doing ok but now recently we are having just treble our income, but our expenses are still not under our budget which is creating problems with now doing work more than 12 hours are usual with few years back this was just 8 hours even now in many cases peoples are doing work for 7 days and every day is had 12 to 14 hours duty because they want to give better things to their kids.
I personally had cut in many expenses but still I am also not able to compete with this current situation which is creating frustration, and I am going depressed day by day due to this situation but trying to fight until I can do with no positive signs are in front of me.