Millions of low-paid workers are facing a "perfect storm" of higher energy bills, soaring food prices and a new tax hike as Universal Credit and wages fall behind the cost of living.
Our pay packets simply aren’t rising as fast as everything else, and inflation, the measure of prices, is at a 30-year high.
So what are your options and how can you keep bills low at a time when just about everything is going upwards?
Thrift queen Mrs Mummypenny, aka Lynn Beattie, has joined our panel of experts to help readers tackle the cost of living crisis – and answer your biggest questions in the coming months.
Whether it’s supermarket prices, tackling your gas bill or finding cash to save amid all of the chaos, she’s got some brilliant tips to get you started.
Lynn will be hosting a live Q&A at 1pm on Thursday on the Daily Mirror’s Facebook page, answering all the questions you’re worried about.
To have your concerns answered live on the show, drop us a line at: webnews@mirror.co.uk.
To watch today's show, visit facebook.com/dailymirror/live. If you have a question in advance email webnews@mirror.co.uk
According to latest figures, a million adults went an entire day without food last month because they could not afford to put a meal on the table, according to a report on food insecurity.
Soaring energy and grocery prices – along with the removal in October of the £20 Covid top-up to Universal Credit – are having a devastating impact on the food consumption of millions of people, the Food Foundation think tank said.
More than one in five households said they have already faced a ”heat or eat” dilemma, cutting back on the quality or quantity of food to pay energy or other essential bills, while 59% of households fear the cost of living squeeze will leave them with less to spend on food in the future.
We want to know how rising prices are affecting you, get in touch at: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk.
Speaking on support for struggling households, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Millions of low-paid workers face a perfect storm this April.
"At the same time as energy prices and National Insurance contributions shoot up, Universal Credit is falling in value.
"The Government must do far more to help struggling families get through the tough times ahead. The support package announced by the Chancellor last week is woefully inadequate.
"Universal Credit urgently needs boosting and we need further action to reduce fuel costs for those battling to make ends meet.
"Oil and energy companies shouldn't be making bumper profits while many struggle to heat their homes.
"If ministers fail to do what is necessary, more households will be pushed below the breadline."
Our Cost of Living team of experts are here to help you through a difficult year. For up-to-the-minute updates, tips and expert guidance to help beat rising prices, sign up for our money newsletter here.
