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Context and Methodology

Between January and December 2025, the monthly food budget for a three-person family increased from ARS 98,400 to ARS 142,000, a 44.3% increase. This increase exceeded general inflation for the period due to the high proportion of fresh products in the family basket. The tracking methodology included digitization of all receipts, weekly photographic recording of prices in three main supermarkets, and detailed expense categorization into 12 product categories.

Increase Analysis by Category

Red meats experienced the greatest increase: 52.7% average. A kilo of ribs went from ARS 1,850 to ARS 2,825. Common ground beef rose from ARS 1,420 to ARS 2,180. Fresh vegetables increased 38.4%, with significant seasonal variations. Dairy products increased 41.2%, with whole milk going from ARS 285 per liter to ARS 402. Pantry products showed lower variation: 33.8% average, being the most stable category.

Implemented Adaptation Strategies

First strategy: 30% reduction in red meat consumption, replaced by chicken (lower price increase: 28.4%) and legumes. Estimated monthly savings: ARS 8,200. Second strategy: vegetable purchase at traditional market instead of supermarket. Average price difference: 18.6%. Monthly savings: ARS 4,100. Third strategy: advance purchase of non-perishable pantry products when wholesale offers are detected. Average savings per advance purchase: 15.3%.

Quantified Results

Gradual implementation of these strategies over six months kept monthly spending at ARS 142,000 while the basket without modifications would have reached ARS 163,400. Total savings: ARS 21,400 monthly (13.1%). Additional time required to implement these strategies: 3.5 hours weekly (price comparison, market travel, menu planning). Time opportunity cost: approximately ARS 6,800 monthly, resulting in net savings of ARS 14,600.

Limitations and Considerations

Documented strategies require flexibility in food preferences. Provider change implies greater travel time. Advance purchase needs adequate storage space. Results are specific to Bahía Blanca and may vary in other regions. Effectiveness decreases if inflation exceeds 50% annually, point at which substitution strategies reach practical limits.

Initial Situation and Problem

In March 2025, monthly transportation spending reached ARS 62,400, representing 21.8% of total family budget. This amount included: fuel for private car ARS 48,200, average maintenance ARS 8,900, parking ARS 5,300. Super gasoline price increase had been 47.3% in the last six months, going from ARS 485 per liter to ARS 714. Projection indicated that without changes, monthly spending would exceed ARS 85,000 in September.

Alternative Analysis

Four options were evaluated during two months of testing: private car (cost per kilometer: ARS 87), public transport (cost per kilometer: ARS 12), electric bicycle (cost per kilometer: ARS 3), and strategic combination. To calculate real costs, all trips were recorded for 60 days, totaling 1,240 kilometers. Analysis included travel time, comfort, load capacity, and weather viability.

Combined Solution Implementation

The implemented strategy consisted of: electric bicycle for trips under 8 kilometers without heavy load (40% of trips), public transport for medium distances without load need (35% of trips), private car only for longer distances or when cargo transport is required (25% of trips). This distribution was based on analysis of real mobility patterns during two months.

Required Initial Investment

The chosen electric bicycle cost ARS 180,000. Additional charger for work: ARS 12,500. Safety and cargo accessories: ARS 8,300. Total investment: ARS 200,800. Break-even analysis indicated investment recovery in 11.4 months considering monthly fuel savings. Electric bicycle maintenance is minimal: ARS 1,200 monthly average.

Results After Six Months

Monthly transportation spending reduced to ARS 43,800 (29.8% reduction). Breakdown: fuel ARS 28,400, public transport ARS 6,200, bicycle electricity ARS 800, general maintenance ARS 8,400. Monthly savings: ARS 18,600. Kilometers traveled by bicycle: 312 monthly average. Additional travel time compared to car: 35 minutes daily. Rainy days that prevented bicycle use: 8 monthly average. Additional non-quantified benefit: improved physical condition.

Strategy Limitations

This solution is viable only for urban distances under 12 kilometers. Requires adequate physical conditions for cycling. Does not work for families with small children requiring daily transport. Initial investment may be prohibitive for some budgets. Bahía Blanca climate allows bicycle use 22 days average per month, this proportion varies by region.

Initial Utility Expense Analysis

In May 2025, utilities represented ARS 51,200 monthly of family budget. Distribution: electricity ARS 18,400, natural gas ARS 12,800, water ARS 4,200, internet ARS 9,600, mobile phone ARS 6,200. Rate increases had been: electricity +38.4% in six months, gas +42.1%, water +28.7%, communication services +31.2%. Without intervention, projection indicated ARS 64,300 monthly for September.

Strategy 1: Electrical Consumption Optimization

Implemented changes: replacement of 18 incandescent and halogen lamps with LED (investment: ARS 12,400), timer installation on electric heaters (investment: ARS 3,800), air conditioning usage habit modification (limitation to 24°C, use only in master bedroom), disconnection of standby appliances. Consumption before changes: 420 kWh monthly. Consumption after changes: 358 kWh monthly. Reduction: 14.8%. Monthly savings in pesos: ARS 2,740. Investment recovery period: 5.9 months.

Strategy 2: Communication Provider Change

Market analysis identified alternative internet provider with 300 Mbps at ARS 5,400 monthly versus ARS 9,600 from previous provider (savings: ARS 4,200 monthly). Phone plan change: elimination of unused unlimited minutes, reduction to 5 GB data plan (actual average usage: 3.2 GB). New cost: ARS 3,400 versus ARS 6,200 previous (savings: ARS 2,800 monthly). Change process required three weeks of procedures and had installation cost of ARS 8,500, recovered in 1.2 months.

Strategy 3: Water and Gas Consumption Management

Aerator installation on faucets and shower (investment: ARS 2,100). Shower time reduction from 12 minutes average to 7 minutes. Dripping faucet repair (cost: ARS 4,800). Water consumption reduction: 18.3%, monthly savings: ARS 770. For natural gas: water heater temperature adjustment from 65°C to 50°C, pressure cooker use to reduce cooking time, boiler maintenance (cost: ARS 8,200). Gas consumption reduction: 11.2%, monthly savings: ARS 1,430.

Consolidated Results

After four months of complete implementation, monthly utility spending reduced to ARS 42,600. Savings breakdown: electricity -ARS 2,740, internet -ARS 4,200, phone -ARS 2,800, water -ARS 770, gas -ARS 1,430. Total monthly savings: ARS 11,940 (23.3% versus initial spending). Total required investment: ARS 39,800. Recovery period: 3.3 months. Accumulated savings in first six months after recovering investment: ARS 35,820.

Viability Considerations

Internet provider change is only viable where real market competition exists. Some Bahía Blanca areas have only one available provider. Electrical consumption reduction has practical limits related to comfort. Results vary significantly according to housing size and number of inhabitants. Gas savings are greater in winter. Efficiency investments have recovery periods that may not be viable for very tight budgets.