New Tariffs, New Tactics: Preparing for Economic Changes
Worried about new tariffs affecting your family's budget? This practical guide breaks down which products may be impacted and offers smart strategies for effective household budget management to keep your family running smoothly and mom's peace and sanity intact. .
3/6/20254 min read
New Tariffs-New Tactics
As a mom, you already have a lot on your plate—from juggling your kids’ schedules to managing household expenses. With all this tariff talk, you might be wondering how this could impact your family’s day-to-day life and what steps you can take to stay ahead. Don't worry. With a little planning, your family's budget will stay strong.
What Are Tariffs, and Why Do They Matter?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can lead to increased prices on everyday items. These can affect a wide range of products, from groceries to household goods and even clothing and electronics. When companies pay more to import goods, they often pass those costs along to consumers.
What Might Be Impacted by the New Tariffs and How to Get Ahead
Groceries: Certain foods, especially imported fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples, could see price hikes.
HELLO spring garden! Get those seeds. Any little bit can help. If you need guidance for starting a garden, 👉 CHECK THIS OUT!
Buy in bulk. Always check the price per ounce, pound, or unit. Sometimes bulk items aren’t actually cheaper, so it’s good to double-check! My favorite places to buy in bulk is Azure Standard, Sams Club, and even Walmart. Be sure and store food properly to prevent spoilage.
I've found that spending some time comparing prices on my family's favorite foods is well worth the effort—especially when it comes to meat. Meat takes up a big portion of our food budget each month, so carefully considering each purchase really pays off. Having everything online makes this step incredibly easy! Just pull up the websites of the different grocery stores in your area and compare the prices (usually listed per pound). To make things even simpler, schedule a grocery pickup. That way, you don’t have to go inside multiple stores—just pull up and have them load it right into your car. Perfect!
Meal plan! Meal plan! Meal plan! Eating out is CRAZY expensive compared to cooking real food at home. The average family of five spends about $500 a month on restaurants! Take a look at your past bank statements and add up all the restaurant charges. You might be shocked. If you need inspiration with budget friendly meal planning 👉 CHECK THIS OUT!
Household Essentials: Products like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and kitchenware might become more expensive.
There's really no need for fancy cleaning supplies anyway. Stocking up on baking soda and vinegar will be sufficient. There are some fun recipes for diy cleaning supplies online that work just as well if not better than the commercial brands but without the toxic chemicals.
You can even find diy recipes for things like face wash, soap, moisturizer, and even toothpaste! This might end up being the start of a new hobby! Find recipes that have simple and few ingredients and stock up once you find what you like.
A good place to shop for home and kitchen items is of course thrift stores! YouTube has tons of videos for inspiration.
Kids’ Needs: Clothing, toys, and school supplies that are manufactured overseas could cost more.
Thrift stores are great for these items as well! Search Google Maps for "Goodwill", "consignment", "thrift" and "resale" in your area.
It's the perfect time of year for garage sales! Recently my husband found a brand new pair of hiking boots still in the box for $5!
Facebook! Friends are always looking to either buy or sell kids clothes. Don't be afraid to ask.
Electronics and Appliances: Gadgets, tablets, and even kitchen appliances could be impacted.
Facebook market place is a great tool for finding items like this.
Wise Words: Don't Worry About What You Can't Change
While we can't control new laws and regulations, we can choose where to focus our energy. Instead of dwelling on what’s out of our hands, let’s concentrate on the many things we can influence.
The Bottom Line
Even without the new tariffs, most of us could benefit from spending less. This might be a good time to challenge yourself. Throughout the month, I keep in mind what my last month's bank statement was, and I try my best to spend less than that. There are sometimes unavoidable expenses, but all the more reason why we should be vigilant about our spending habits. It's also good to remember, we don't need the nicest, newest of everything and we can do without so much of what we have anyway.
By planning ahead, being mindful of spending, and getting a bit creative with your shopping habits, you can keep your budget intact. But remember, keeping your sanity and focusing on what is within your control is key to navigating any of life's challenges.
If you're needing more guidance with finances, Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps are a great place to start.
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