My wife came home from Costco.  Lately, when I go to Costco I wind up spending $300-$400. “What was the bill?” I asked  “I only spent $100,” she said. “Awesome!” I replied.  However it turns out that it was $100 for only 5 items.

I’m finding that I feel anxious when thinking about buying food, and I have noticed that I’m not only changing how we currently eat, but I’m also contemplating how I can further adapt our eating habits.

I have long given up regular trips to restaurants, and I have dramatically cut back on what I order when I go through a drive-through.  Cuts of beef, from a steak to a pot roast, have become luxury items for special celebrations.  Now, even ground beef is starting to feel out of reach. I just came back from the grocery store.  I passed on ground beef and bought ground turkey instead.

Inflation accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We were informed that prices would need to increase due to supply chain issues and factory slowdowns resulting from worker illnesses.  However, that is only part of the story.  A 2023 report from the Fed noted that overall corporate profits were 11.3% in 2020, 19.2% in 2021, and 15.1% in 2022.  In other words, corporations generated significantly more profit during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They passed on any extra costs to the consumer and also saw an opportunity to add a “little more,” as consumers were conditioned to expect higher prices. 

Corporations realize that if they create the right narrative or gradually increase prices, the populace will accept higher prices to a certain extent. A fundamental principle of economics is that when prices become too high, people stop buying. When this happens, a company will likely lower the cost of the item to encourage buying. When consumers are comfortable with the new, lower but still elevated price, the company will resume the increase. In this push/pull system, the overall price of the items continues to increase over time.

A few years back, I would buy a dozen eggs at Walmart for eighty-eight cents.  They were an economical source of protein. Then the prices began to rise steadily.  At one point, a dozen eggs were selling for almost $7.  They were no longer a bargain, and I, along with others, curtailed my egg purchases. I went so far as to use an egg substitute when baking. When prices dropped to $4, I thought happy times had returned, yet I was still paying over four and a half times more than my original price.  That is a 450% increase in a basic commodity.  

We were told that eggs were more expensive due to the bird flu. Was that true?  No, it wasn’t.  The largest corporation in the egg business is Cal-Maine. They control 25% of the market pie.  Their profits have soared during the bird flu, and guess what, their egg production was only slightly impacted.  The bird flu was used as an excuse to raise prices. Did you notice that there was a shortage of eggs, but not a shortage of chicken?  If bird flu were so damaging, we would have seen a shortage of chicken, too. I’m not saying that bird flu wasn’t real.  However, I am saying that it was used, just like COVID, to raise prices well beyond where they needed to go. 

Have you noticed that Hershey bars are more expensive?  This is due to the increased prices of ingredients such as cocoa and sugar, correct?  During a corporate call to shareholders, the CEO of Hershey informed stockholders that the increased prices not only covered inflation but also significantly increased profits.  That is the same story as the eggs. Take a real situation and use it to create a plausible narrative that encourages consumers to spend more money.

Add tricks like shrinkflation and skimpflation, and the consumer gets even less for their cash.

Food companies can use these tactics because we no longer have a competitive market.  A relatively small number of companies control our food supply.  They no longer have to compete by offering value.  Instead, when one company raises its prices, the others tend to follow. 

My newish refrigerator has a water filter that has to be changed every 6 months.  The filter is specific to the brand, and I’m unaware of 3rd party options.  That filter contains activated charcoal to improve the water’s taste and possibly also includes a sediment filter. These filters should not be costly to manufacture, and objectively have not improved the quality of my city water.  How much is this proprietary filter?  Forty-nine dollars!  That is $100 a year that I have to spend on something that I don’t need or want.

My buying habits are changing.  I no longer want the fanciest fridge; A future one will be as basic as I can get. I want my 2014 car to last as long as possible. For me, there is no excitement in buying a new car for $60,000 to $80,000. Especially, since many new cars are plagued by factory recalls. By the way, some cars now require a monthly subscription to keep certain functions.  You buy a brand new car, but you have to pay more money just to use its features.

Add to this corporate greed the new Trump tariff taxes that have been imposed on us.  Please listen,  tariffs are a tax imposed on consumers. In this case, they are no different than a state sales tax that you pay, except that this sales tax goes to the federal government. Tariffs are a means of increasing federal revenue through taxation of citizens. This is not my fantasy or opinion; this is a fact.

Let’s say I buy a pound of coffee for $10.  In my area, a 1.75% state sales tax is applied to grocery purchases, so the total cost of a pound of coffee is $10.18.  However, there is now a 50% tariff tax on products from Brazil, which is a major coffee producer.  That increase will be passed on to the consumer, as corporations must generate profits for their shareholders.  Now, my coffee will cost me $10 plus a 51.75% tax, or $15.18. Don’t believe me?  Take a look at the increase in coffee prices at your local store.  Guess what?  The costs are likely to increase even further.   Naturally, some companies will try to add a few bucks past that amount to make “a little extra.” 

My primary concerns center on the items I use and consume on a daily basis, including food and other products.  I’m changing my habits here too.

In 1999, I was treating several prominent scientists, as I live in a technology and research corridor.  They warned me about the potential catastrophe that could happen as we entered the year 2000.  Honestly, it spooked me, and, being a planner, I overreacted.  I bought everything from long-term storage foods to diapers (my kids were young at the time). The 2000 collapse never occurred, and my wife was not very happy with my purchasing decisions, many of which had to be discarded in the end. Lesson learned.  However, I’m still a preparer, and I do think it is rational to make behavioral changes now and to do some limited stockpiling.  The latter won’t eliminate inflationary problems, but they may soften the blow a bit, at least for a while. 

Sadly, some cash on hand is needed to do many of these things, and cash has become increasingly scarce for some as prices have gone up.  However, if you select and implement some of these options, you may see benefits in the suggestions.

Major appliances

Virtually all major appliances source their parts from international manufacturers.  This is true for companies that build appliances in the US. After all, we have had a global economy for the last 70 years. If you believe an appliance is nearing the end of its life, this may be the ideal time to purchase while old stock is still available. Additionally,  check the reliability of a particular brand. New appliances don’t last as long as older models, but some are better than others. 

Clothing

I’m fortunate to be retired, as my wardrobe is not only casual but also repetitive.  If it is clean, I wear it.  However, if you need clothing, you may want to explore options from sales to resale.  I believe in a capsule wardrobe where a few pieces can be utilized in multiple ways. Use what you have, buy only what you need (not want).  Opt for quality over designer brands or fast fashion. Basic colors and classic styles are the best approach.  The goal is to look neat, but to NOT have people remember what you wore a week earlier. Basic, neat clothes will do just that.

Energy

All energy costs are high, and many are going up.  Practice reducing your energy needs.  Turn up the AC temperature and turn down the furnace temperature.  Use LED lights and turn them off when you are not in a room.  Plan errands so you can accomplish several in one trip instead of multiple trips.  Consider unplugging devices, like a rarely used TV, as many of them consume almost as much power when they are “off” as when they are “on.”  Cook using energy-efficient appliances like a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or toaster oven, as they are more energy-efficient than a traditional stove. If you use your oven try to make multiple dishes in it at the same time.  

Batteries

Batteries are expensive, and almost all of them are made overseas, so they will become even more costly.  Consider buying items that can be recharged.  Also consider purchasing rechargeable batteries.  Most of my flashlights are USB rechargeable, and I also have AA and AAA batteries that I can recharge hundreds of times before they need to be replaced.  Batteries will increase in price due to the Trump tariff taxes. 

Food and Consumables

I suggest buying extras if you can afford to do so.  A little extra here and there will temporarily save you money in the long run.

Cleaning solutions.

When COVID-19 hit, I found it very difficult to find many typical soaps and cleaning products, so I started concocting my own.  I fill a 32-oz spray bottle with warm water and add a scant teaspoon of dishwashing soap or one ounce of all-purpose cleaner (such as Lysol or Mr. Clean) for an effective and gentle surface cleaner.  I use a squirt of dish detergent to clean my toilets, and cheap powdered Comet to clean my sinks. 

American-made cleaning solutions are often made from chemicals purchased abroad, so their prices are likely to increase.  P&G is already implementing price changes that are likely to continue to rise.  You may want to have extras of all cleaning products that you use, from dish soap to dishwasher and laundry detergent. We usually use dishwasher pods, but I bought a few boxes of dishwasher powder as it is relatively inexpensive and can be stretched if necessary. Additionally, I purchased extra laundry detergent. If you live a sedentary, dirt-free life like me, you may not need the most expensive laundry detergent.  You can get by with a cheap detergent and a spray bottle of stain remover for those occasional spills and splashes. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t even find liquid hand soap, so I made do by using a foaming dispenser.  Fill the foam dispenser with 20% liquid hand soap and 80% water to save money. You will get foam soap that works great and doesn’t drip all over your sink.

Paper Products

I love my paper products, but I’m making a conscious effort to reduce their use.  A significant portion of paper pulp originates from Canada, and the Trump tariff taxes are particularly high on Canadian products.  A few months back, I purchased extra dish towels, which I’m trying to use instead of paper towels. Old rags are also helpful.  If you have old T-shirts, cut them up and give them a new cleaning life. I still use paper towels when the situation calls for it, but I use them more sparingly.  I’m also reducing the number of paper plates that I use. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I struggled to find toilet paper, so I installed a bidet.  The fancy ones are pricey, but you can buy a basic one for under $50. This may sound crazy, but you can be much “cleaner” just using a bidet.  Naturally, we still have TP, but we are using less of it. A bidet was something that I never thought about, and now that I have one, I can’t imagine not having one. They are that good.

Plastic Products

We appreciate the convenience of Ziploc-type bags and use them for everything from lunches to storing leftovers; however, we are trying to use them less frequently.  They will be going up in price as their raw materials increase in cost.  There are specific Rubbermaid-like containers for sandwiches, food storage, and just about everything else. If you are especially frugal, you will find that many lunchmeat packages can be reused as a sandwich container.  Pro tip: Wash all containers by hand to prevent dishwasher lid shrinkage.

Food Products

All foods are increasing in price, but those strongly impacted by the Trump tariff taxes will be hit the hardest. It may be a good idea to stockpile non-perishable foods. I’m buying a few extras of the following types of foods:

-Beans, rice, lentils, etc. 

All of these items have very long shelf lives if stored in a cool, dry place.  We are trying to incorporate more of these products into our regular diet.

-Canned goods

We have switched to house brands and are purchasing more of the products we regularly use, such as canned tomatoes.  Canned vegetables can be good bargains, but, like everything else, their price will increase over time. Canned food doesn’t require refrigeration, and stores best in a cool, dry place.  Many canned foods, including meats, will stay usable for years in a sealed/undamaged can.

-Sugar

Today I bought a spare 4-pound bag of sugar, as we do a lot of baking from scratch. Sugar prices are on the rise and are expected to continue increasing. Sugar can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place.

-Basic ingredients

I’m also buying extras of spices that I commonly use, as their prices are expected to increase. The same can be said of everyday items, such as cooking oil and olive oil. Since we cook a lot from scratch, I bought an extra tub of baking powder and cornstarch to have on hand.

-Meats

The price of beef is outrageous, so I’m finding that we are not only having meatless and low-meat meals, but we are also shifting our meat preferences away from beef, including hamburger. I’m just back from the grocery store, where I bought ground turkey, which was on sale instead of hamburger. I’m also experimenting with TVP, or textured vegetable protein, as a nutritious, high-protein additive to stretch meat.

-Do Price Checks

It used to be that if you bought a larger size of something, the overall price was cheaper. That is no longer the case.  Check the price per ounce or price per item in the box to ensure that you are getting the best value. With that said, meat and other items can be substantially cheaper when purchased in family packs or larger bulk packages.

-Clip Coupons

I’m adding this as some people can save quite a bit with coupons.  However, I really hate using coupons.  Our standard grocery store offers values, coupons, digital coupons, sale prices, two-for-one deals, buy one and get 50% off the second item, and other promotions.  I feel like I need a PhD in groceries to choose the right option. More than once, I found out that I did the wrong thing at checkout and had to pay full price. I would rather shop at a store that consistently offers lower prices.

-Shop discount stores

Consider shopping at discount grocery stores, like Aldi.  These stores are smaller, making them easier to navigate. They have fewer options, so no decision fatigue, and their overall prices are lower.  In my area, prices are significantly lower than those at a standard grocery store.

-Cook from scratch

Cooking from scratch is easy, less expensive, and yields superior results.  I use appliances like a slow cooker and Instant Pot to make my cooking even simpler.  You can find simple recipes using a basic cookbook (like Betty Crocker) or online.  

I have a relative who exclusively uses convenience foods, including frozen dinners.  She spends hundreds of dollars every week on her food, which is her right.  However, I mostly buy from Aldi and purchase basic ingredients.  I often cook for five, and I spend less per week on groceries than she does for one. The more prepared a food is, the more expensive it is.

-Cook and buy intentionally

I prepare balanced meals, but they often consist of combination foods, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.  These foods are meat stretchers.  I also try to make enough food without having a lot of waste.  I know that my son will eagerly eat leftovers for lunch, but only once or twice. If I’m making something like a pot of soup, I proportion it accordingly.  If I have extra food beyond what I can use as leftovers, I’ll freeze it for future use. 

-Substitute when needed

Some recipes require a lot of exotic spices or ingredients.  If the recipe is too elaborate, I’ll move on.  However, I have also learned the art of substitution. If I can approximate a spice blend that I’ll rarely use, I’ll mix my own. If a recipe calls for tomato paste and I only have a can of tomatoes, I’ll use that and adjust the liquid accordingly. If the recipe calls for buttermilk, I’ll add a little vinegar to milk and make my own. I do this often, and with a little trial and error, I usually produce a good product using reasonable substitutions.

-Consider “Meatless Monday”

Consider a meatless dinner once or twice a week.  The options are endless and delicious.

-Use up stuff.

Americans waste 30-40% of the food that they purchase. That is money that you throw away. Consider checking out your perishables and creating new meals based on them, rather than just following your taste. Be creative and repurpose leftovers.  Add leftover rice to a can of soup for lunch, or use last night’s leftover vegetables in today’s casserole. You get the idea. 

-Limit Options

Instead of having endless choices, limit what you use and eat. I rotate between a couple of basic breakfasts every day, and most of them don’t involve meat.  I eat a lot of peanut butter, often adding it to something like oatmeal, an apple, or toast for breakfast.  

Some families have a roster of 10-20 dinners that they rotate.  This makes grocery shopping and meal preparation simple and routine. 

-Use prepared foods sparingly

I do use some prepared foods, but I’m careful about what I use, not only because of the cost but also because of the additives.  However, sometimes a can of condensed soup can make it easier for me when I’m throwing together a casserole, or I’ll use a cake mix for an impromptu dessert.  

-Give yourself a break

Long ago, we started to have carry-out pizza every Friday for dinner.  However, we have now switched to frozen pizza, and we buy our pizzas on sale.  Is it the healthiest food? No, of course not.  But it serves its purpose as an easy meal after a long week. Sometimes life is about compromises.

-Learn to bake

A lot of baking is elementary, and nothing tastes better than homemade baked goods.  We do scratch baking, but also use mixes, which are inexpensive and yield a good result.  This Sunday, I’m going to make lentil soup, and I’ll also make a homemade loaf of bread.  I have an old breadmaker, and all I have to do is add some ingredients and press a button. You can often find used breadmakers at second-hand stores for next to nothing.  Just make sure it has its baking pan and dough paddle, and that it powers up. Real, delicious warm bread for less than the cost of the store-bought stuff. Perfect to go with some soup.

-Consider a freezer

OK, this may sound crazy, but a freezer can save you money.  They are not very expensive, and you can often find used ones at very low prices. The chest style ones are the least convenient but the cheapest to buy and operate.  A freezer uses very little electricity per year. I have had a 12-cubic-foot, non-defrosting freezer for at least 25 years.  It is great to have when I find a good sale or buy in bulk. I am certain that my freezer has saved me a significant amount of money over its 25-year lifespan. 

-Consider a vacuum sealer

You’ve seen me say this in post after post. No, I don’t have stock in a vacuum sealer company!

You can buy an off-brand for under $50, and bags/rolls can be purchased cheaply if you buy generic in bulk.  I have used a vacuum sealer since the early 1990s and a chamber-type vacuum sealer since 2022.  Vacuum sealing meats will keep them free from freezer burn, and meats can last for years in a freezer. I vacuum seal a lot of other stuff too, but that’s for another post. 

Chamber sealers are more expensive, but they use dirt cheap bags and handle liquids well.  As a vacuum sealer enthusiast, I purchased one.  However, if you are getting started, consider buying a traditional external vacuum sealer (similar to a FoodSaver) on Amazon for $50-$100, as well as some bags or rolls.  Using a vacuum sealer can save you money over time.

I am not saying you have to do everything on this list; I’m just trying to motivate you to think about ways to stretch your dollar in these challenging times of inflation and enormous taxes. Use your critical thinking to generate your ideas.  Ponder, “Do I need to buy this?  How can I use something that I already have? And so on. We are in this together!

Peace

Mike