Many American families are feeling the pinch of increased costs amid ongoing trade tariffs. While these policies aim to improve the financial landscape for all citizens, the resulting higher prices on everyday goods are impacting the middle class, making budgeting a more critical challenge.
Middle-class consumers are now looking for ways to reduce spending without significantly impacting their quality of life. One effective strategy involves re-evaluating purchasing habits and avoiding products significantly affected by tariffs. Here are four items worth considering cutting back on to save money.
Rethinking Cleaning Supplies
Robin Valadares, founder of Financially Fulfilled Physio, highlights the current economic pressure on middle-class households, pointing to a feeling of working hard without seeing tangible progress. This isn’t solely due to inflation, but also the complexities of global trade and tariffs. When essential items become more expensive, it’s an ideal time to re-evaluate spending.
A straightforward way to save is by switching from expensive name-brand cleaning products to more affordable generic or store-brand alternatives like Kirkland (Costco), Great Value (Walmart), or Up&Up (Target). DIY cleaning solutions are also a cost-effective option. A simple mixture of white vinegar, lemon, and baking soda can effectively clean most surfaces at a fraction of the cost. The markup on brand-name cleaners can be substantial, often doubling the price of generic options. Substituting just five products monthly could potentially save approximately $250 over the course of a year, without compromising cleanliness.
Ditching Bottled Water
Trade tariffs often impact plastic packaging and manufacturing costs, making bottled water an increasingly expensive choice. Financial expert Robin Valadares recommends saying goodbye to bottled water and opting for a filtered pitcher or a reusable water bottle instead.
Americans spend around $100 per person annually on bottled water. A simple switch to a home filtration system can save a family of four $300 or more each year, while also reducing plastic waste.
Minimizing Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
Many kitchen gadgets, often marketed as “trend appliances” like avocado slicers, mini donut makers, and egg cookers, serve a single purpose before ending up unused in drawers. Valadares advises middle-class families to replace these with versatile, high-quality tools.
He suggests investing in a chef’s knife, cast iron skillet, or a good blender instead. Influencer-driven kitchen gear often ends up unused, and many items are imported and prone to tariff increases. A durable $40 Lodge cast iron pan, for instance, can offer far greater value than five inexpensive gadgets that quickly break.
Stepping Away From Fast Fashion
Items from retailers like H&M, Shein, Zara, and Amazon are not ideal choices during times of tariff impacts. Instead, focus on building a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces from brands like Everlane and Uniqlo.
With tariffs affecting imported textiles, cheap fashion isn’t staying cheap. Moreover, clothing waste is a growing concern. A focus on quality over quantity—a single durable staple item that lasts five years—is a smarter choice than several inexpensive tops that lose their shape within a month. You can also explore secondhand options through platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp, or by visiting local thrift stores.
Reducing spending on these four categories can offer tangible financial relief for middle-class families navigating the challenges of tariff-related cost increases. By focusing on quality, versatility, and smart alternatives, you can ease the financial strain without sacrificing essential needs or quality of life.
