HOUSTON – The cost of produce has been rising over the last several years, so the idea of everyday goods becoming even more expensive can be overwhelming for many families already on a budget or living paycheck to paycheck.
READ: $60 budget for groceries? No problem for ChatGPT
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With President Trump’s new tariff policy potentially driving up the cost of produce and everyday essentials, many local businesses and consumers are bracing for higher prices.
EXPLAINER: What are tariffs and how do they work?
Experts warn this move could lead to inflation, disrupt global trade, and place financial pressure on households and small businesses alike.
Recently, we asked our viewers how they’re saving and planning to budget if the cost of goods continues to rise.
READ: Tariff impact: Prices may rise — how are you budgeting?
Here’s what our audience had to say—and the advice they shared:
Wilson burgos: By not eating that processed food.
Martinez Paul: Arroz con pollo, frijoles, home made tortillas, beef nachos and sweet ice tea.
Ryan Artigue: Already gave up cereal, prices are ridiculous.
David Allen: I will spend less on airline tickets, hotels, restaurants, and non-essential goods purchases.
Lauren Stephens: Stop buying so much junk.
Pete Hernandez: Nope, still going on a cruise, still buying car parts, still going out to eat.
Anna MC: Same way I’ve been budgeting since prices went up with Biden, meat and veg from frozen dept and buying store brand snacks in limited amts. Trying to keep grocery expenses to $60 a week for 1 weekdays and 2 weekends.
Belinda Charpentier: Stop over consumption. Use what I have. Eat out less. Shop second hand when I do need something.
Marlee Tesch: I shop the sales...I buy while on sale, not when I need. Kroger’s offer’s digital coupons that are a tremendous help.
Robert Carroll: I buy bulk from local farmers. No tariffs on home grown beef.
Foster Peterson: Purchasing only the bare necessities.
Adrienne Renee Olmos: Dollar store lol.
Nikki Uvalles: Shop local support farmers and you won’t have any trouble.
David Allen: I will eliminate a lot of non-discretionary spending. I feel really bad for the people working in the travel, hospitality, and restaurant industry that will no longer receive my business. But that’s how I will make things work.
Chris Jeddore: Reduce spending across the board.
Kristy Potter Knapp: Iv’e made a serious effort to buy American whenever possible for many years, but especially since covid. So I’ll get to see which companies were telling the truth in their made in America labels, and adjust my purchasing habits accordingly.
Christina Atkinson: I plan my meals for the week. I use the Kroger app. Keeps me on budget, I get personalized coupons for what I actually buy and it prevents me from impulse buying. I have been able to keep my grocery bill at about $100 a week for the past 4 years. And that feeds a family of 4.
Kamitria Ballard: I think I would definitely reduce unnecessary expenses.
Crystal McDunnah: I live in Vermont, so luckily I can buy local produce, meat and eggs. I usually buy clothes from thrift stores anyway so my family should be fine.
Becky Pulling Gaconnet: The same way I budget when prices are the same. Look at what I have as resources, look at what I need, and prioritize.
Denise Quiros Nobs: Bought seeds and started a garden.
Claudia Hernandez Alejandro: All pork and chicken that is my budget.
Karen Menendez: Cut out buying the junk and just buy the basics. You will be surprised at how much you save.
Mary Warner: I’ll buy local, thanks but no thanks on the processed foods. If they go high, I’ll give my business to local.
Antonio Dominguez: Good opportunity for buying one ingredient items. Meats, eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables.
