It's been decades since we've seen inflation cause prices to soar. From gas to food to housing, it seems every category is hitting consumers' wallets hard. So finding deals and stretching your dollar is more important than ever. Our shopping experts share their favorite tips for saving during times of inflation.

Our managing editor Casey recently spoke with Chris Rucks about stretching your dollars during inflation in an episode of "What's the Deal". Watch the video below.

Can Deals Help You Get Through Inflation?

sale signs in department store

Consumer prices are rising at their fastest pace in decades and inflation is making itself known to everyday consumers...whether through groceries, gas, or rent. The Consumer Price Index jumped 9.1% in June relative to a year earlier. This marks the fastest pace for inflation since November of 1981.

What does this mean for shoppers looking for deals? The definition of a 'deal' has changed, but hopefully for the short term. Where a seasonal item like a deck box might have typically gone on sale for 40% off, the consumer may now only see 25% off. This is due to inflation hitting multiple parts of the final price tag. We’ve seen increases in gas and shipping prices and manufacturing costs, and let's not forget the supply chain issue still causing prices to remain higher than usual.

You may still see deals, but they shift with inflation rates and are not going to be as lucrative as what was seen 12 months ago.

Frugal Living: How do you beat inflation?

Where to Stretch Your Dollar During This Time

rolls of paper towel

There will be areas where we cannot control budget impacts, such as commodities like fuel and food. However, there are others that tend to be top of mind for consumers during this time of the year where you can make more cost-effective choices to help ease budget pressures.

Back-to-School

Back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record high this year. Spending for K-12 students is predicted to hit $34.4 billion, with an average cost of $661 per student. Parents of college students can expect average costs of $1,600 per student.

Our Deputy editor Marisa Lang has some great tips to save on back-to-school buys. Cut costs by avoiding name-brand school supplies and apparel. Shop back-to-school online at stores like Staples and Office Depot for surprising deals on laptops as well as folders, paper, and pencils. Consider buying in bulk to get lower prices and split the cost with other classmates’ parents. And as our Amazon authority, Marisa recommends Amazon for bulk purchases to get the lowest prices. You’ll also want to browse Target’s clearance section and in-store deals to snag some bargains due to excess inventory on their shelves. Shop our Back-to-School Page for the best money-saving tips and deals.

Stores For the Best Online Back-to-School Deals

Household Essentials

Along with school supplies, we’re seeing inflation hit everyday household items as well. Household cleaning products alone have increased 10% since last year. Things like paper towels and toilet paper include fewer sheets than before but prices are staying the same, or even increasing.

With paper towel prices soaring, Brad’s Deals managing editor Casey Runyan reminds us to stop using paper towels as multi-use products. Paper napkins are more affordable than paper towels and are an easy money-saving swap. You could also invest in fabric napkins that can be washed and reused for years after the initial purchase.

To save even more on household essentials, we recommend relying on store brands more than you have in the past. Generic brands are often looked at as lower-quality items, but some stores have excellent store-brand options at affordable prices to help you save. Casey also points out that Target often offers gift cards with a minimum purchase on household items. If you’re going to spend $100 on paper goods, you may as well get a $20 Target gift card to use on a future purchase!

 

Groceries

Most consumers are experiencing the biggest budget hits at the grocery store. As of June 2022, grocery prices have gone up 12.2% year over year, marking the highest grocery surge since April 1979. If you’re looking to cut back on your grocery bill, be sure to download apps for your local grocery stores. They’re free and often offer additional digital coupons that are worth the extra step.

Marisa suggests buying in bulk to always get a better price per unit, which saves money in the long run. Costco, Sam’s Club, and Amazon are great for bulk groceries. Deputy Assistant managing editor Lindsay Weekes mentions another perk from grocery stores are loyalty programs that offer discounts on gas. With the price of gas also sky high, earning a discount while spending on groceries is a huge plus.

Gardening is also an affordable way to get fresh produce at a fraction of the cost of grocery store prices. If you don’t have the gardening gene, you can also get fresh vegetables through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in your neighborhood.

How to Start Gardening on a Budget: Advice From a Shopping Expert

Bonus Tip: Shop Discount Lists

Whenever and wherever you can, save a little extra by using discounts. Many retailers offer discounts to students, seniors, and other groups. While it may only be 10% off, every little bit helps right now. We’ve put together some discount lists as a resource to help you save as much as you can.

Where Can You Find More?

Every day, we are tracking the latest ways to navigate through the impacts of inflation to make it easier for shoppers. Head to BradsDeals.com where you'll find shopping tips and tricks like using deal alerts, and how to stretch your dollar during these trying times. Plus, download our free app and get deals and expert advice on the go.

The bottom line is that we are here to help you and your families during these financial hardships with personal advice and how we’re saving a little more on the things we need. Please let us know in the comments of what you’re shopping for or having a hard time finding good deals on. We’ll do our best to offer more tips and deals.