Increased taxes on imported groceries could affect your shopping bills; Experts offer tips for budgeting
In the face of rising tariffs, many Americans are altering their shopping habits to save money. According to a recent survey, 78% of Americans have already made changes to their grocery shopping routines in anticipation of these tariffs [1].
One effective strategy to save money on imported food items that may see price hikes is to make use of coupons and store sales. This includes checking grocery store apps and physical mail circulars for discounts [1]. Another approach is to opt for seasonal, domestic produce instead of imported fruits and vegetables to avoid tariff-induced price surges [2].
Considering store brands or off-brand alternatives can also help stretch your budget. These options are often less expensive but maintain similar quality [2]. Stocking up on non-perishable or well-storing items when they are on sale can help build a reserve and avoid higher prices later [2].
Taking advantage of delivery services’ discounts and promotions can also provide significant savings. For instance, Instacart’s Deal Week may offer savings on staples [1]. Shopping at warehouse clubs or looking for bulk deals can lower per-unit costs [2].
Lastly, planning your shopping carefully by checking your fridge and meal calendar can help reduce food waste and unnecessary purchases [2].
These tips can help you navigate the impact of tariffs on your wallet, especially as it pertains to imported cheese, olive oil, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and other goods. By seeking domestic alternatives and leveraging discounts, you can significantly mitigate the financial impact [1][2][4].
Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert from Truetrae.com, offers further insights on this topic. For a more in-depth discussion, you can watch the video player above or visit The National News Desk's YouTube channel for Brown's full interview with Bodge.
Adopting a personal-finance strategy that includes budgeting, store brand options, coupons, discounted delivery services, and smarter shopping habits can help you manage the financial effects of tariffs on lifestyle expenses like food-and-drink. Choosing seasonal and domestic produce, or off-brand alternatives, can reduce the impact of tariff-induced price surges in your personal-finance plan.
