Is anyone else shopping out of fear/stress of prices increasing?

[Kevinaxx]

During 2020 it was hard to get Trader Joe’s turkey chili. It had become an easy go to. When it came back in stock, I decided keep a four to five can minimum! Before that it was maybe 2 cans, cause I go there regularly!

For me it was one of their branded goods, I went one day and the dude says it’s been out for 2 months and I immediately wanted to go “liar”! Because I just replenished two weeks ago (I went to an alternate TJs a week ago).

I even had family and friends on the lookout (since we are all in diff neighborhoods) at their local TJs and so for awhile all was out but now they occasionally pop up in other TJs besides my local one so I get drop offs from f&f which is nice.

 

[Mimmy]

But seriously I am noticing in the grocery stores and supermarkets around me how the prices are creeping up.

Sadly, I see this too. Fortunately, the members on this forum are able to continue to buy what they need. I just don’t see how this is sustainable for your average or lower income consumer.

Why Are Prices So High Right Now—and Will They Ever Return to Normal? | Working Knowledge

hbswk.hbs.edu

More on topic, I am thinking about finally buying a Neverfull. I delayed and there was the recent, significant price increase. I just can’t make up my mind on size. I will kick myself if I delay too much and there is another price increase!

 

[Cheddar Cheese]

Well if you grew up in the country or in an area of erratic weather it is quite normal to have a stash of basics. Also to tuck away long lasting luxury too.

The big box stores & co-ops encourage bulk buying nowadays.

When do you last remember a drop in food prices?

 

[Cheddar Cheese]

Sadly, I see this too. Fortunately, the members on this forum are able to continue to buy what they need. I just don’t see how this is sustainable for your average or lower income consumer.

Why Are Prices So High Right Now—and Will They Ever Return to Normal? | Working Knowledge

hbswk.hbs.edu

More on topic, I am thinking about finally buying a Neverfull. I delayed and there was the recent, significant price increase. I just can’t make up my mind on size. I will kick myself if I delay too much and there is another price increase!

Well if you can reasonably afford the purchase buy now as retail prices are unlightly to drop. If it’s tight, wait & work on finding an affordable deal somewhere. There will be others who decide they would rather have the money than a particular item you would like.

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[cheremushki]

But seriously I am noticing in the grocery stores and supermarkets around me how the prices are creeping up.

Where I live, they did a news coverage where price of items and the size of the package stayed same but the volume got smaller. Made me pay more careful attention and be smarter about food purchases. Stock up on sale deals and use every single thing I can possibly from things I already own. Ethically I hate wasting and I was always more mindful than my peers on finances. But it's still scary on all the costs going up. For the most part I stopped purchasing Asian food because the increase has been ridiculous. At one point I saw can of spam going for $8. Stocked up during sale at Costco and told everyone I know to do same.

I managed to eat $200/month plus bit on grocery before covid. But now I see my monthly have creeped up to $300/month and a bit.

 

[BleuSaphir]

This inflation is stressful. I’m entirely cutting back on luxury. I can’t think about buying LV for now. Gas fuel in California is too much, I won’t drive excessively to waste a 7 dollar premium fuel. My job is stressing me out. Why do I have to commute to work everyday, 5 times a week but to find work wasn’t there for me to begin with if I can’t compete 8 hours of work?

 

[Kiradris]

This inflation is stressful. I’m entirely cutting back on luxury. I can’t think about buying LV for now. Gas fuel in California is too much, I won’t drive excessively to waste a 7 dollar premium fuel. My job is stressing me out. Why do I have to commute to work everyday, 5 times a week but to find work wasn’t there for me to begin with if I can’t compete 8 hours of work?

As a fellow Californian, I feel your pain, we have the most absolute WORST gas prices in the country. It's so depressing, I've gotten to the point where I feel guilty driving anyplace for fun or non-essential items. I wish I was in a position to leave this state, but it's just not possible for me at this time.

As for luxury purchases, I am regretting not getting some things last year. By the same time this year, they'll easily be 30% more. Just another reminder to learn to love what I already have.

 

[rollinsband2002]

I would never recommend shopping out of fear of anything. I still maintain that luxury shopping should be pleasant and enrich our life experience...it's not just about the stuff. I've had my grail bags, and I've missed out on bags I really wanted. Neither changed my life, and now I just carry a practical old longchamp tote lol.

 

[SpeedyJC]

My opinion is when one finds themselves shopping for luxuries driven by fear maybe it's time to take a break.

 

[redwings]

I shop during recession and stock market crashes. I seldom buy anything during the booming economy times. Bargaining power. As for luxury goods, I also find it an easier time to get limited pieces. But primarily my cash flow goes into stock accumulation (mass selling price drops) and properties during this time.

Also I kept to the rule of 30% - 40% assets (including real estate and stock) to 60%-70% cash on call (including gold bullion) ratio. And never buying luxury on credit cards.

 

[880]

With respect to investments, i try to sit tight and ride it out. It’s a good time to buy some things if you feel it’s hit bottom

with respect to luxury, I’ve had good luck buying BK at low reseller prices during Covid SIP. With respect to buying luxury at retail prices, I try to buy forever pieces with an eye towards getting my value back from cost per wear. I keep my RTW and bags for decades, rotate them frequently, and take care of them. I do love some premier RTW brands, and with thr increase in prices, I do buy fewer items. I try not to be too tempted by sales, bc that’s when I tend to compromise and make mistakes.

re groceries, I shop more often for fewer things in season. For me, it’s less wasteful and doesn’t take much time. I do buy some things in bulk, like paper products.