I walked into a local grocery store this week and saw an $8.99 price tag on a pack of bacon, which had cost $4.50 just three years ago. I returned it to the shelf, tacking bacon on my expanding list of “luxuries” that I can now no longer afford. Americans face agonizing choices by the millions every day as inflation reshapes household budgets across the nation.
With consumer prices rising by 2.7% over the past 12 months, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that families are cutting back on expenses and turning to once-common purchases to offset their increased disbursements. Over the past 2 years, the price inflation has been approximately in balance with wage inflation. However, real disposable income has declined, creating a perfect storm where rising costs are colliding with reduced purchasing power for many Americans.
The increases in prices have caused folks to make difficult decisions about what they are willing or able to afford. In the following slides, we see 10 things that consumers can still buy, but which cut deeper into what are already straining household budgets.
Beef and Premium Meats
Prices for ground beef rose by 2.4% from May 2025 to June 2025, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Major retailers like Walmart have now priced ribeye steaks at $16.99 per pound after a four-month price run-up. Industry expert Dr. Glynn Tonsor from Kansas State University says drought and increased feeding costs, coupled with supply chain issues, have put meat on a “permanent high price platform.”
Cable Television Subscriptions
Americans are cutting the cord in record numbers, and the days of expensive cable packages may be numbered. According to research firm eMarketer, the proportion of households that have canceled their cable subscriptions has increased from 49.7% to in recent months, with the total number of cord cutters reaching 65.1 million. That is up from $63 per month last year, according to a new study released this week by Waterstone Management Group; however, it continues to offer substantial savings over traditional cable packages.
Brand-Name Medications
A 2019 study published in JAMA revealed that 78% of drugs introduced since 2012 experienced price increases of over 50%. The study also highlighted significant price hikes across both new and existing medications, with at least one drug more than doubling in cost during this period. These rising costs have forced many adults to ration their medications, as they struggle to cope with the financial burden and search for more affordable alternatives.
This continues to drive up the cost of medications and put a strain on patients, especially those with chronic conditions that require long-term treatment. Greater pressure has, therefore, been placed on authorities and healthcare providers to address this increasing cost while improving access to vital medications.
Organic Produce
For many families, the premium for organic food is beyond their means. In November, organic produce cost 53% more than regular fruits and vegetables, a significant increase, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
However, with the growth in demand between organic and non-organic foods being so polarized, policies and interventions are needed to reduce the price of organic food further and increase consumer access.
Premium Coffee Brands
Most coffee stores are now selling a tall brewed coffee for $2.15, an increase from the previous price of $1.95 in many markets, including cafes across Southern California, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. Different pricing is due to the varying costs of living and operational expenses in these regions.
This allows premium coffee brands to position themselves in the optimal market segment, enabling them to remain profitable while not compromising customer experience by stifling volume growth. While the market may be volatile at present, consumers continue to exhibit a certain level of brand loyalty to premium coffee options due to their exceptional quality and consistent value.
Designer Clothing and Accessories
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average household spent $2,041 on apparel and services in 2023, including clothing, footwear, and related services, by a 4.9% annual increase. This implies a too-complacent increase in spending given the continued inflationary pressures.
This suggests a less favorable preference for essentials and a far greater interest in personal style, which represents clothing as a means of claiming ownership over individual identity. However, the designer, buoyed by its perceived quality, status, and timeless appeal, holds onto the most significant slice of this spending pie.
New Automobiles
The average new car price, as reported by Cox Automotive in late 2023, was $47,401, with the year-over-year new-vehicle ATP decline of 3.5%. New-vehicle interest rates have increased to 6.5% in Experian data, adding thousands of dollars to total ownership costs.
This increased cost has compelled many buyers to opt for extended loans — running longer than six or seven years — to keep monthly bills palatable. Add to the mix the growing interest of consumers in certified pre-owned (CPO) cars, which typically offer all the bells and whistles with relatively few miles on them, at a significantly more affordable price than one sitting on a new car lot.
Restaurant Dining
What used to be a frivolous relief from cooking has become an occasional celebratory treat. The National Restaurant Association reported that menu prices rose 3.8% in 2023, and casual dining restaurants were charging $67 for a meal for a family of four. Meanwhile, restaurants like Ato face rising labor costs as they increase staff wages to address ongoing labor shortages.
These obstacles aside, many restaurants are doubling down on delivering memorable menu items alongside great customer service. The increased demand for local and fresh ingredients underscores the burgeoning consumer-supported dining movement, which supports responsible and sustainable farming practices.
Home Renovation Materials
From approximately $550 per thousand board feet in March 2020, the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Price (FLCP) hit record highs north of $1,500 in 2021, an increase by 17% above its 25-year average— more than tripling during the pandemic, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
A spike in demand, coupled with a shortage of supply-chain capacity in the second quarter of 2021, resulted in soaring prices. While prices have now subsided, they are still up from pre-pandemic levels, having an ongoing effect on construction and renovation costs.
Fresh Flowers and Plants
Floral Management Magazine attributes rising floral prices to increased labor costs, freight expenses, and tariff pressures. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and increased transportation costs have particularly impacted the cut flower industry.
These challenges have led to reduced availability of certain flower varieties, forcing florists and retailers to adapt their offerings. Despite these obstacles, consumer demand for fresh flowers and plants remains strong, driven by their timeless appeal and emotional significance.
Key Takeaways
In summary, this suggests a deeper change in the behavior of American consumers than simply being unable to afford some things they buy. Among people of all income levels, families are cutting back on basics that were once considered staples but are becoming occasional splurges.
Between price increases and the lack of wage growth, millions have resorted to survival budgeting, where only absolute essentials are prioritized over quality-of-life purchases. Even as inflation continues to rise due to supply-side factors, overcoming this challenge will take time, while demand-side realities demonstrate reduced purchasing power. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers will have to adjust to the new norm, where less really is more.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
