Over the last five years, everyday family expenses have skyrocketed faster than a kid's sugar rush after Halloween. From eggs to entertainment, it seems our wallets are on a diet while prices are bulking up. Let's dive into a comparison of the cost increases that are making people everywhere consider taking up extreme couponing as a sport.
Here are Five Fast Facts on comparing prices from 2020 to 2025:
- 🥚 Egg-streme Food Prices - Eggs have cracked the budget, jumping from $1.34 to $4.95 per carton—a 234% increase. At this rate, chickens might start charging rent (and we wouldn’t blame them!). While we’re talking food, weekly grocery runs have nearly doubled, from $160.35 to $315.22. Yes, your shopping cart has now become a luxury vehicle hauling around priceless artifacts.
- 🚗 Car Expenses - Owning a car is like having a pet that eats money instead of kibble. Between insurance hikes and repair costs – and gas prices that are up 73% -- you might start considering a unicycle as a viable transportation option.
- 👶 Childcare Costs - Paying for childcare now feels like enrolling your toddler in an Ivy League university. With annual costs rivaling college tuition, you might consider teaching your kids to babysit each other—just kidding (or are we?).
- 💰 Disney Dream or Debt? - Spring break trips to Disney now average $19,080, up from $15,050. Mickey Mouse might be the only one smiling at these prices. Now, if only he could remember how to make a decent movie again…
- 📽️ Movie Night Mayhem - Speaking of movies, a family night at the movies now requires a small loan, especially if you're splurging on popcorn and drinks – it’s $60 minimum, and likely a lot more. If your kids are bringing friends, be prepared to sell a kidney.
🔥Bottom line: While these rising costs might make you feel like Monopoly money is worth more than what’s in your wallet, remember that awareness is the first step to regaining control of your spending. Maybe it's time to swap that Disney trip for a backyard adventure and those pricey eggs for... well, maybe just fewer omelets. Whatever you decide, the reality is that things today are a lot more expensive now than they were five years ago. Now, please excuse us while we go look for spare change in the couch cushions.
What price increases have you felt the most over the last five years?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
BTW, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
