HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS CONSUMER PRICES STAY HIGH

The inflation rate rose 8.2 percent in September, making cost-cutting more important than ever

By Penelope Wang

Consumers looking for relief from steep price hikes will have to wait longer. Inflation soared at an 8.2 percent annual rate in September, down only slightly from the previous month when the inflation rate was 8.3 percent and still close to a 40-year high.

The rise in the nation’s main inflation gauge, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was led by increases in the costs of shelter, food, and medical care.

That 8.2 percent increases far surpasses the average inflation rate of just 1.4 percent nearly two years ago. Energy prices have risen 19.8 percent over the past 12 months, although they dropped 2.6 percent in September. Food prices, meanwhile, jumped 11.2 percent year over year.

Consumers have been feeling the effects. In July a nationally representative survey (PDF) by Consumer Reports of more than 2,000 U.S. adults found that 97 percent were concerned about rising prices, with nearly two-thirds reporting they were very or extremely concerned. Nearly all those surveyed (98 percent) were also worried about prices continuing to rise, and 97 percent were concerned about the possibility of an economic recession in the U.S. in the next six months.

Despite the bad news, there are still ways to lessen the burden on your wallet. Here’s what to look for in several key spending categories, with tips for reining in your costs.

Food

The surge in food prices reflects steep increases in all major food categories, with the cost of meat, poultry, fish and eggs up 9.0 percent over the past 12 months, while cereal and cereal products were up 17.7 percent.

To help keep your food budget under control, take full advantage of any promotions to stock up your freezer and pantry.

You can also save significantly by sticking with warehouse clubs and discount stores, such as Costco and Trader Joe’s, as well as private-label brands.

Another strategy is to scout for food bargains at drugstores and convenience stores. Some outlets are expanding their variety of fresh foods and may offer lower prices than traditional stores.

Energy

Retail gasoline prices did drop in September, falling 5.6 percent from the month before. And AAA data shows shows that gas prices fell to $3.92 per gallon as of October 10, down from a high of $5.02 in June 2022.

But gas prices in September were still 18.2 percent higher than they were a year ago. And given the continuing war in Ukraine, the risk of hurricanes, and other uncertainties, gas prices are likely to remain volatile.

To make the most of our strategies to cut your costs, check out tips on saving money at the gas pump and buying cheaper fuel at warehouse clubs.

You can also squeeze more mileage out of your tank of gas by driving evenly, sticking to speed limits, and removing your roof rack, which can create drag.

Major Appliances

Costs for major appliances dipped 0.3 percent overall in August, following a 1.5 percent decline the previous month. 

A key reason: Some major retailers misjudged consumer demand for big-ticket items, leaving them with an unexpected glut of merchandise they now need to move. 

Recent advertisements from a number of large retailers are showing big discounts for major appliances, including refrigerators, says Jordan Carter, an associate analyst for GAP Intelligence, which tracks prices for a variety of product categories at retailers across the country.

In particular, retailers are pushing savings deals for consumers who bundle a number of products to purchase, Carter says. This means that those planning to upgrade their kitchens with a new refrigerator, dishwasher, and cooking range, for example, could score even deeper discounts.

But discounts won’t be available across the board on all brands and at all retailers, and consumers will have to make sure to compare prices carefully and be sure to comparison shop at independent retailers, too. They may offer comparable bargains and perhaps better service.

For additional savings, before you shop make sure you know which appliance features you must have vs. those that are less essential, says Nish Suvarnakar, senior market analyst for CR. Consider opting for basic stainless steel—a popular finish that’s widely available—rather than a specialty finish. And finally, consider substitutions if your first-choice model is unavailable.

Cars

Prices for new cars and trucks are up 9.4 percent over the past year, driven by pandemic-related parts shortages and even factory shutdowns, as well as a scarcity of computer chips. Used-vehicle prices have climbed 7.2 percent.

But you can still find an affordable option, because prices for individual models vary widely. Take a look at CR’s advice in “How to Buy a Used Car" and "How to Navigate Surging Used-Car Prices."

There are some signs that inflation is leveling off in the used-vehicle market, with prices dipping 0.1 percent in August. But given the shortage of available cars, consumers should manage their expectations, although a few models do still have traditional incentives available.

“In today’s market, shoppers should be looking for a fair price rather than a great deal,” says Jeff Bartlett, cars managing editor at CR. “Big discounts are a distant memory.”

With so few vehicles on dealership lots, the balance of supply and demand favors the seller.

"There is one silver lining for new-car buyers: If you have a car to trade in, increased used-car values have made it worth more than you might think," says Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at CR. But consumers need to be aware that although they may get a higher-than-expected value on a trade-in car, those gains may be erased by the higher price for a replacement.

If you need a cash infusion, the sweet spot is selling a used car that doesn’t need to be replaced.

"If you have an extra car that you might not need, there’s never been a better time to sell it,” Fisher says. A late-model used car in good condition might get a price similar to what it cost when it was new.”

For a useful benchmark on car costs, check out CR’s Build & Buy Car Buying Service and online research tool, which allows shoppers to check the current transaction prices for different models. You may find that the best way to get the car you want is to order it or buy it from another state. 

And to avoid breaking your budget, check out CR’s advice on the best new-car deals, as well as our recommendations for fuel-efficient SUVs and affordable used cars you can buy right now.

Telecom and Internet Services

During the pandemic, consumers had a bit of a break because prices for telephone and wireless services rose only slightly.

But prices have fluctuated more recently, with internet service costs declining 0.1 percent over the past 12 months, and residential phone service rising 3.6 percent.

To keep a lid on those costs, consider switching to a lower-cost cell phone plan, perhaps one from your internet provider. Lower-income families may qualify for a federal program that helps with internet bills, called the Affordable Connectivity Program.

And although prices are rising for streaming services, you can still trim your cable costs by opting for lower-cost TV plans or free services.

You also might try haggling with your provider. As a recent CR survey of our members found, many have been able to lower their bills by negotiating with their cable or internet company.

Televisions

Consumers have enjoyed lower TV prices over the past 12 months, with costs dropping 17.9 percent. And the latest numbers show prices dipped 0.7 percent since August.

The best time to buy TVs tends to be between fall and early winter, when holiday sales begin and the release of new models in January happens, says Samantha Gordon, deals editor at Consumer Reports.

But if you shop around, you can still find affordably priced TVs, such as these bargain 70-inch screens or these 65-inch sets for under $1,000.

Consumer Reports members can get more details about finding the best television for your money in CR’s TV buying guide.

Smart Shopping

There are plenty of other ways to save money, and CR can help. For instance, we’ve found that some laundry products—washers, dryers, and detergents—waste money. So here are some tips to avoid them.

We also have the CR Deals page, which lists sales on products we recommend, as well as a monthly column on products that are on deep discount. In September, for instance, you can find sales in 21 product categories, including refrigerators, grills, and smart speakers.

And CR members can find out when to buy an array of products by using CR’s Best Time to Buy guide.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with the latest federal government inflation numbers.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.

2022-01-26T12:48:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd