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The 2026 High Inflation Survival Kit
10 MOO Staples You Need Now
Inflation is changing the way we live.
You’ve probably noticed it yourself.
You walk into the supermarket, buy the same groceries you always buy, and somehow the total is higher again. A packet here, a bottle there, and suddenly the budget feels tighter than it did just a few months ago.
That’s the reality many families are facing in 2026.
But here’s the good news:
We are not powerless.
One of the greatest strengths of living the Cheapskates Way is that we already know how to step outside the cycle of constant spending. We know how to create calm, stability and security at home — even during difficult economic times.
And one of the best ways to do that is through MOOing.
What Is MOO?
MOO stands for Make Our Own.
It’s one of the foundations of living Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing because it changes the way we think about the things we use every day.
Instead of automatically buying everything ready-made, we begin asking:
In fact, when done well, it usually makes life:
Why MOO Matters More During Inflation
Inflation affects more than just groceries.
It impacts:
That’s why MOOing is so powerful.
When we buy the raw ingredients instead of the finished product:
10 MOO Staples Every Cheapskater Should Have
These aren’t complicated or extreme.
They are practical, everyday systems that quietly save money week after week.
1. Laundry Powder
Laundry products are one of the easiest places to begin MOOing.
Commercial detergents are expensive, heavily marketed, and often used in much larger amounts than necessary.
Homemade laundry powder:
Many families discover they can cut their laundry costs dramatically simply by measuring properly and avoiding overuse.
A bucket of homemade laundry powder in the laundry is one of the simplest ways to reduce ongoing household expenses.
2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Most homes do not need:
Reality says otherwise.
A simple homemade all-purpose cleaner can handle most everyday cleaning beautifully.
This not only saves money — it also reduces clutter and decision fatigue.
Fewer products.
Less waste.
Less spending.
That’s part of creating a calm home.
3. Dishwasher Powder
This is one of those sneaky budget drains many people don’t notice.
Dishwasher tablets are convenient, but they are also expensive because every wash uses a fixed amount.
Powder gives you flexibility.
You can:
It’s about using exactly what you need — no more and no less.
4. Gravy Mix
Gravy packets may seem inexpensive individually, but over time they add up.
A homemade gravy mix:
And it turns “making dinner” into a much calmer experience.
5. Condensed Soup Base
So many recipes rely on canned condensed soups:
Making your own soup base allows you to:
6. Stock Powder or Stock Concentrate
Stock is the backbone of home cooking.
Soups, sauces, casseroles, gravies and slow cooker meals all rely on good stock.
Store-bought stock can be:
7. Baking Mixes
Cake mixes, muffin mixes and pancake mixes are convenient — but convenience comes at a price.
Having homemade baking mixes ready in jars gives you the same convenience without the extra cost.
This is especially useful for:
8. Freezer Meal Bases
This is one of the best ways to protect both your budget and your energy levels.
Not necessarily full freezer meals — although those are wonderful too — but meal bases such as:
And quick meals reduce:
9. Simple Personal Care Products
You do not need to become completely self-sufficient overnight.
But even replacing a few basic products can save money over time.
Simple homemade:
10. Pantry Emergency Meals
This may be the most important staple of all.
Because emergency meals stop panic spending.
They stop:
Examples include:
The Bigger Picture
MOOing is not just about recipes.
It’s about changing the relationship we have with our homes.
Instead of constantly reacting to rising prices, we begin building systems that support us.
We stockpile ingredients.
We prepare ahead.
We simplify routines.
We use what we have well.
And slowly, over time, the household becomes:
Start Small
You do not need to overhaul your entire household in a weekend.
Choose one thing.
Just one.
Perhaps:
Build confidence.
Create one small system at a time.
Because every small change adds up.
And those quiet little systems are often the very things that help families stay:
Inflation is changing the way we live.
You’ve probably noticed it yourself.
You walk into the supermarket, buy the same groceries you always buy, and somehow the total is higher again. A packet here, a bottle there, and suddenly the budget feels tighter than it did just a few months ago.
That’s the reality many families are facing in 2026.
But here’s the good news:
We are not powerless.
One of the greatest strengths of living the Cheapskates Way is that we already know how to step outside the cycle of constant spending. We know how to create calm, stability and security at home — even during difficult economic times.
And one of the best ways to do that is through MOOing.
What Is MOO?
MOO stands for Make Our Own.
It’s one of the foundations of living Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing because it changes the way we think about the things we use every day.
Instead of automatically buying everything ready-made, we begin asking:
- Can I make this myself?
- Can I make a simpler version?
- Can I make it cheaper?
- Can I make it work better for my family?
In fact, when done well, it usually makes life:
- cheaper
- calmer
- more organised
- less stressful
Why MOO Matters More During Inflation
Inflation affects more than just groceries.
It impacts:
- cleaning products
- toiletries
- pantry staples
- convenience foods
- takeaway meals
- household basics
That’s why MOOing is so powerful.
When we buy the raw ingredients instead of the finished product:
- we avoid heavy markups
- we reduce waste
- we gain flexibility
- and we create a more resilient household
10 MOO Staples Every Cheapskater Should Have
These aren’t complicated or extreme.
They are practical, everyday systems that quietly save money week after week.
1. Laundry Powder
Laundry products are one of the easiest places to begin MOOing.
Commercial detergents are expensive, heavily marketed, and often used in much larger amounts than necessary.
Homemade laundry powder:
- costs significantly less
- stores well
- uses simple ingredients
- gives you control over how much you use
Many families discover they can cut their laundry costs dramatically simply by measuring properly and avoiding overuse.
A bucket of homemade laundry powder in the laundry is one of the simplest ways to reduce ongoing household expenses.
2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Most homes do not need:
- separate bench spray
- separate bathroom spray
- separate kitchen spray
- separate floor spray
Reality says otherwise.
A simple homemade all-purpose cleaner can handle most everyday cleaning beautifully.
This not only saves money — it also reduces clutter and decision fatigue.
Fewer products.
Less waste.
Less spending.
That’s part of creating a calm home.
3. Dishwasher Powder
This is one of those sneaky budget drains many people don’t notice.
Dishwasher tablets are convenient, but they are also expensive because every wash uses a fixed amount.
Powder gives you flexibility.
You can:
- adjust the amount used
- avoid waste
- buy in bulk
- lower the cost per wash substantially
It’s about using exactly what you need — no more and no less.
4. Gravy Mix
Gravy packets may seem inexpensive individually, but over time they add up.
A homemade gravy mix:
- costs far less
- stores beautifully
- can be customised to suit your family
- is just as convenient once prepared
And it turns “making dinner” into a much calmer experience.
5. Condensed Soup Base
So many recipes rely on canned condensed soups:
- casseroles
- pasta bakes
- slow cooker meals
- pie fillings
Making your own soup base allows you to:
- avoid unnecessary additives
- save money
- reduce pantry costs
- keep ingredients on hand for quick meals
6. Stock Powder or Stock Concentrate
Stock is the backbone of home cooking.
Soups, sauces, casseroles, gravies and slow cooker meals all rely on good stock.
Store-bought stock can be:
- expensive
- bulky
- watered down
- high in salt
- stores easily
- stretches further
- costs less
- adds excellent flavour
7. Baking Mixes
Cake mixes, muffin mixes and pancake mixes are convenient — but convenience comes at a price.
Having homemade baking mixes ready in jars gives you the same convenience without the extra cost.
This is especially useful for:
- lunchboxes
- quick desserts
- after-school snacks
- unexpected visitors
8. Freezer Meal Bases
This is one of the best ways to protect both your budget and your energy levels.
Not necessarily full freezer meals — although those are wonderful too — but meal bases such as:
- cooked mince
- shredded chicken
- soup starters
- cooked beans
- pasta sauces
And quick meals reduce:
- takeaway temptation
- expensive convenience foods
- stress at dinner time
9. Simple Personal Care Products
You do not need to become completely self-sufficient overnight.
But even replacing a few basic products can save money over time.
Simple homemade:
- soaps
- scrubs
- bath products
- skincare basics
- reduce spending
- reduce packaging
- simplify routines
10. Pantry Emergency Meals
This may be the most important staple of all.
Because emergency meals stop panic spending.
They stop:
- takeaway
- expensive convenience meals
- “there’s nothing to eat” shopping trips
Examples include:
- soup and toast
- eggs on toast
- pasta with sauce
- baked potatoes
- fried rice
- freezer soup
- homemade pizzas
The Bigger Picture
MOOing is not just about recipes.
It’s about changing the relationship we have with our homes.
Instead of constantly reacting to rising prices, we begin building systems that support us.
We stockpile ingredients.
We prepare ahead.
We simplify routines.
We use what we have well.
And slowly, over time, the household becomes:
- calmer
- more resilient
- less wasteful
- less financially fragile
Start Small
You do not need to overhaul your entire household in a weekend.
Choose one thing.
Just one.
Perhaps:
- laundry powder
- gravy mix
- emergency meals
- homemade cleaner
Build confidence.
Create one small system at a time.
Because every small change adds up.
And those quiet little systems are often the very things that help families stay:
- debt free
- cashed up
- and laughing