Family Credit

The conflict in Iran sent gas prices climbing sharply in early 2026, and for households already stretched thin, the ripple effects extended well beyond the cost of filling a tank. U.S. News and World Report published a timely guide in March 2026 on how consumers can get ahead of "gas-flation," featuring insight from Family Credit Management President and Founder Michael McAuliffe alongside other financial experts.

McAuliffe's contributions touched on several of the article's key recommendations. On groceries, he suggested using the pantry-first approach: once a month, challenge yourself to build meals around what you already have in your cabinets, freezer, and fridge, picking up only what is needed to complete those meals. It is a simple habit that reduces food waste and cuts spending at one of the most inflation-sensitive points in any household budget.

On utilities, his perspective was worth noting: rising costs naturally make people more aware of how much energy they are actually consuming and what it is costing them. That awareness alone can drive meaningful habit changes, and he pointed out that some of the most impactful savings come from adjustments that feel small in the moment.

He also returned to a theme that comes up consistently in his financial guidance: auditing recurring charges. Many people are still being billed monthly for subscriptions, apps, and memberships they no longer use or remember signing up for. Canceling even a handful of those can quietly free up real money in a month when every dollar counts.

For anyone feeling the squeeze of higher fuel costs and wondering where to find relief in the budget, this piece offers a range of concrete, low-effort starting points.

Read the full article at U.S. News and World Report.