I'm a mom of 4 and can't keep up with rising costs. We are using our retirement savings to cover expenses.

The author (not pictured) had to borrow from her retirement to pay bills.

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• My family of six is struggling to keep up with rising costs and inflation.
• We've borrowed from our 401(k) and retirement savings to pay bills.
• Saving money has become nearly impossible despite multiple income streams.

In Maine, where I am raising my family, electricity costs have risen exponentially. The average Mainer spends $175 a month on this bill alone — just to keep the lights on.