In Argentina, many people are borrowing money and selling belongings to buy food. Diego Nacasio, a 43-year-old salesman, says he and his wife run out of money by the 15th of the month. They then take loans, use credit cards, and sell items to survive until their next pay. "Living on credit puts you in a very dangerous cycle," Nacasio told Al Jazeera. Nearly half of Argentinians rely on savings, loans, or selling possessions to cover basic needs, per a report by Argentina Grande. Another study says 63% have cut back on activities to manage costs. Despite President Javier Milei's claims of economic recovery, many sectors in Argentina are still struggling. In November 2025, manufacturing and commerce shrank, and food consumption fell by 12.5%. Inflation is controlled through salary freezes and import policies, but many cannot afford essentials. Critics say recorded inflation rates do not reflect real price rises in fuel and electricity. Violeta Carrera Pereyra, a sociologist, says the rich buy more, but poorer people buy less food and medicine. Getting by feels like an obstacle course to many Argentinians. Veronica Malfitano, a teacher, said, "Shopping for food has become a job itself." Half of supermarket spending is now on credit cards. Loan default rates reached a record 11%. Griselda Quipildor, a mother and grandmother, said money runs out mid-month and borrowing then begins again. Economist Lucia Cavallero called the debt situation a crisis, worsened by loan sharks. A new bill aims to help poor families combine loans with lower rates, but experts say wages must rise to match living costs for real relief. Despite hardships, Nacasio feels some luck in owning a home. "Things cannot continue like this," he said. "I just need things to change."