What are Some Effective Ways to Fight Inflation?
Some of the most effective ways to fight inflation come through your actions. While you cannot do much to change the cost of shipping and production that is affecting the rising price of food across the country, you can learn how to shop smart! You can try to do the following to fight inflation:
- Stock Up on Essential Items When They Go On Sale
- Purchase Staples in Bulk
- Compare Prices at Different Stores
- Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons
If you are feeling like grocery shopping is getting significantly more expensive, you are right, and you are not alone. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, food prices increased by around 11% from 2021 to 2022. While that number may seem small, keep in mind that food prices typically only increase by 2% per year!
You can fight inflation by shopping smartly through the items listed above. Make sure to also budget for your groceries each month and determine the most realistic number that helps your wallet and still meets the nutritional needs of your household. Additionally, it can be helpful to search for grocery stores that cater to individuals who are looking for a bargain! For example, Costco is a great way to buy items in bulk, and usually, you can save a little bit of money by doing so. For example, let’s say that you consistently buy fruit snacks for your child’s lunch. You can buy a bulk box of fruit snacks at Costco and potentially save money!
Smart shopping like that can be one of the most effective ways to fight inflation and keep your budget in check.
What Foods are Least Affected by Inflation?
Some of the foods that are the least affected by inflation include rice, dried fruits, oats, peanut butter, and carrots. While those may not be enough to make an entire meal altogether, it may be worth prioritizing those items in your recipes in order to save money on groceries during the rise of inflation.
How Do You Eat on a Budget With Inflation?
Eating on a budget should not be complicated, but if you do not have a lot of experience navigating an economy undergoing inflation issues, you may not be prepared. The overall impact of food inflation can significantly affect many Americans’ ability to eat on a budget, regardless of whether or not they have a large family.
Some of the options you can keep in mind if you are trying to eat on a budget during the rise of inflation are:
- Consider shopping at discount grocery stores or using coupons and sales to save money on groceries. Discount grocery stores often offer lower prices compared to mainstream supermarkets, allowing you to stretch your food budget further.
- Cook meals at home instead of eating out. Not only is cooking at home more cost-effective, but it also gives you control over the ingredients and portion sizes. This is especially important during times of inflation, as dining out can be much more expensive than preparing meals at home.
- Meal planning can be a helpful strategy when eating on a budget during inflation. By planning your meals in advance, you can make a shopping list based on the ingredients needed for those meals, thereby avoiding impulse purchases and saving money.
- Take advantage of bulk buying opportunities at special stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Buying in bulk can be a cost-effective way to stretch your food budget. By purchasing larger quantities of non-perishable items or ingredients that can be frozen, you can save money in the long run.
- Try incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Meat is expensive, but you can substitute meat with chickpeas and other protein-rich food!
What Should I Do if I Can’t Afford Groceries?
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot afford groceries, there are resources available to help you. Federal assistance programs such as SNAP provide eligible individuals and families with funds to purchase food. Additionally, local food banks and community organizations often offer assistance in the form of food donations. Lastly, you may be able to apply for a loan from this site if you need funding to consolidate your debt or pay for common household expenses.
