NBC Launches week-long NBC News series Staying Afloat: An NBC News Survival Guide begins Monday 6/16

Gas at four dollars, milk and eggs up more than a quarter. 

Across the board, cost of living expenses are chipping away at monthly budgets. 

Out of necessity, Americans are finding creative ways to make their dollar stretch until the next pay day.

Megan Deitz says, "I have been bringing my lunch more"

From rising food costs, up four percent in the last year, to gas prices topping $4.00 a gallon.

People are changing their daily habits to make ends meet.

Cathie Leonard said, "I’m always conscious when I’m doing an errand. I combine errands. Just don't pop down to get milk "

 

"I’m working a little harder at putting something away for a rainy day, " said Deitz.

For many that rainy day is already here.

According to AARP, a quarter of baby boomers are putting their retirement plans on hold. 

Another quarter dipping into their retirement accounts early to cover costs.

Mark Kitchens of the AARP said, This economic downturn is squeezing all Americans, but it's really hitting baby boomers in a way that really hasn't happened.

 

To save on food many consumers are buying locally grown fruit and produce and becoming frugal with every move.

Augusta Kaiser said, "Instead of going out every night and trying to find something new and different, I’ll make one thing and have it more than a couple of nights"

The spike in fuel costs is also changing the commute. 

From small towns to major cities, commuters are leaving their cars behind and turning to public transit in record numbers.

APTA President William Millar said, "January, February and March, we saw a 3.4 percent increase in use and it was really across the board"

Kathleen O’Hara is one of those commuters taking the train to Manhattan and curbing costs in other ways.

O’Hara said "I’m living with my parents for the summer...ah, instead I could have had an apartment but could not have afforded it."

 

Sacrifices and a shift in spending that could become a new way of life.

NBC is launching the "Staying Afloat" survival guide. 

A look at the financial challenges Americans are facing and solutions for making it through these tough times.