Trips to the store aren’t as fun or relaxing as they used to be with the way prices are surging. From getting groceries to the occasional Disney World trip, the things we used to be able to budget for have almost become out of reach. Here are 12 things that seem to drain your wallet more than ever.
1. Protein Powder
The first item on the list has probably hit fitness enthusiasts hard. It was once easy to think of protein powder as an inexpensive way to hit your daily protein goals, but now those tubs can add up fast.
2. Cars
Owning a car is a necessity in many places but it can also be a huge headache. From gas to insurance and regular maintenance, cars are a big hit on your wallet.
3. Fast Food
Overpriced and increasingly lower in quality, fast food is no longer the cheap meal option it used to be. More often than not, you’re better off cooking at home.
4. Junk Food
Have you looked at the prices for a bag of name-brand chips nowadays? Snacks can be tempting, but rising prices and shrinkflation have made them a strain on the wallet.
5. Soda
It’s not uncommon for a 12-pack of soda to get close to $10 these days! With soda prices skyrocketing, grabbing a glass of water seems the better way to go.
6. Video Games
Between the expensive consoles to the game price itself, it can be costly to keep up with new releases or make in-game purchases. Sticking to used games or budget-friendly platforms can help you cut back.
7. Paper Towels
Using paper towels for everything from cleaning to drying your hands can start getting expensive as prices rise. Switching to reusable towels can save a ton of money over time.
8. Beef
Remember when a hamburger, oxtails, or just a plain ground beef casserole were cheap weeknight meals? Beef has become increasingly expensive in recent years and it’s driving many to look for alternatives.
9. Disney World Trip
A trip to Disney World can be a dream come true, but it’s also a huge expense for the average family. While budgeting carefully and planning during off-peak times can help manage the costs, the theme park still feels out of reach for many.
10. Cereal
Ever second-guessed buying a box of cereal lately? Cereal used to be a cheap, easy breakfast but recent price hikes have made it more expensive.
11. Fabric
Sewing your clothes used to be a way to save money over buying new clothing. Not anymore! With fabric costing more money than the actual product in the store, the cost-savings aspect has all but evaporated.
12. Fresh Fruit
When it’s out of season or impacted by droughts or shortages, fresh fruit can cost a lot of money relative to the time it lasts in the fridge. For many people, buying frozen can be a much better deal for the same flavor.