The consumer price index, a measurement of everyday goods and services related to the cost of living, skyrocketed to a new multi-decade high of 9.1% in the year up to June, according to fresh data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This translates to spending more on everything from gasoline and groceries to rent and clothing.

As such, many are looking for ways to stretch their dollar further, says Danetha Doe, an economist, Webby Award-winning TV host and author of the Money & Mimosas personal finance site. “The current high inflation rates combined with the long-standing stagnant wages are driving folks to figure out ways to make their money last longer.”

“My biggest tip is to electronically track your spending on a weekly basis,” Doe continues, in an interview with USA TODAY.

“I call this a ‘money date,’" she says, "and I recommend using any personal finance app to stay on top of your week’s transactions [as] most folks are not aware of how much money they spend on a weekly basis.”

Americans aren’t just spending more on fuel, food and apparel, but services, too, such as electricity costs at home, video streaming platforms and healthcare costs, including rising dental services.

(No wonder Google says there's been a spike for searched words like “cheap” and affordable” over the past few months.)

June CPI inflation report:  Largest price increases include gas, butter and flour

Ways to save on mobile phone services

Considering 85% of Americans now own a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center, there are ways you can shave your monthly carrier costs, too.

In fact, there are many. Here are a half-dozen suggestions.

Look for ‘perks’: “If you’ve had the same plan for a year or more, research the latest to see if a new plan can save on things you already pay for,” suggests Nina Bibby, senior vice president of Verizon's consumer segment marketing. These include bonus “perks,” such as getting free Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ streaming services for six months. It doesn’t hurt to ask your carrier what they offer, so you don’t spend money on a service you could be getting for free.