Hampton Roads Families Adjust Budgets Amid Rising Costs

Housing counselor advises on strategies like gig work, roommates, and tighter budgets to cope with higher rent, groceries, and utilities.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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With costs still high across Hampton Roads, financial counselors say many families are adjusting their budgets, work, and even how they live to stay afloat. A local HUD-certified housing counselor, Vanessa Dunlap, says more families are asking for guidance as rising costs stretch household budgets, leading them to seek second jobs, take on roommates, and have adult children contribute more.

Why it matters

The economic challenges facing Hampton Roads families reflect a broader trend across the country, as high inflation and costs of living put pressure on household budgets. Understanding how local residents are adapting can provide insights into the real-world impact of these economic conditions.

The details

Dunlap says the key is understanding where money is going first, and being willing to make realistic changes, especially in an economy that isn't expected to change soon. "We are having to encourage clients to get second jobs, where they're doing Instacart or Uber. We are encouraging roommate situations, someone with whom they can share bills. If they have adult children living in the home, we have to encourage them to get those children to pay their share to live with them," she said.

  • The article was published on February 8, 2026.

The players

Vanessa Dunlap

A local HUD-certified housing counselor who is advising families in Hampton Roads on strategies to cope with rising costs.

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What they’re saying

“We are having to encourage clients to get second jobs, where they're doing Instacart or Uber. We are encouraging roommate situations, someone with whom they can share bills. If they have adult children living in the home, we have to encourage them to get those children to pay their share to live with them.”

— Vanessa Dunlap, HUD-certified housing counselor (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This report highlights the real-world impact of high inflation and rising costs of living on Hampton Roads families, who are being forced to make difficult adjustments to their budgets and living situations in order to make ends meet. The strategies recommended by the housing counselor, such as taking on gig work, finding roommates, and having adult children contribute more, provide a window into the challenges facing many households in the region.