For Robin and Nevaeh Cartwright, making ends meet in San Diego means working hard, watching their spending, and relying on each other whenever the household budget is stretched to its limit.
The Chula Vista grandmother and granddaughter say their faith, close bond and love for each other help them navigate the rising cost of living.
Robin returned to work after retirement, while Nevaeh works long hours during the summer to save for college expenses.
Robin and Nevaeh Cartwright share a laugh, while sharing the challenges they’ve faced as the cost of living rises.
Robin said if she had known the direction of the San Diego economy, she might have decided not retire when she did.
Nevaeh graduated with honors from Chula Vista High School in 2023 after maintaining a 4.1 GPA while playing softball, volleyball and dance. She also had a batting average above .500 on top her other achievements.
She reflected on her grandmother’s achievements and remarked on Robin’s drive despite money constraints.
“She has an amazing, beautiful house. She has her own car. She has so many things that she has done all by herself. And I think that’s so amazing. As a single woman, and especially a woman in this world today,” said Nevaeh.
Nevaeh prepared for her final year at UC San Diego. She worked extensively during the summers so she could save enough money to focus on her education once classes began.
“I feel like I haven’t even had a chance to breathe,” she said.
Gas is one expense that quickly ate into those savings. Nevaeh estimated she could spend nearly $80 a week.
The two found ways to stretch their money, including limiting meals at restaurants and looking for bargains.
“I love bargains. I love a deal,” said Nevaeh. “I would say I hardly pay full price for a lot of things, but it might be a hobby.”
When their budget wasn’t enough to cover expenses, the credit cards helped but the debt weighed on them.
“I just feel like it’s a monkey on my back,” said Robin.
“After college I hope to take a gap year and study for the LSAT and so I’m hopefully able to apply to law schools,” said Nevaeh.
Despite their hardships, Robin provided for her granddaughter.
“I never even had to ask because she would go above and beyond to provide those things for me,” Nevaeh said.
The grandmother and granddaughter duo memorialized their bond with matching tattoos.
“Mine says no matter what and hers says no matter where,” said Nevaeh.
Robin said she was more than happy to get her first tattoo at 65.
NBC 7 and Telemundo stations across the country have launched a survey about cost-of-living challenges and the strategies they use to overcome them.
San Diego residents can share their experiences at NBC7.com/responds.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.