When President Donald Trump signed the executive order imposing tariffs, it turned out to be a harmful decision. Since then, our communities—and the U.S. overall—have been struggling with rising prices. Even basic items like eggs have become much more expensive. Later, Trump signed another contract affecting products from China, such as toys and shoes, which also drove up prices.
At Bashas’ grocery store, things are more expensive now. For example, a cone of ice cream is $5, and books can cost $6.99 or more. Wealthier people aren’t affected as much by these price increases, but for those of us who are poor, it’s hard to afford basic food or provide for our children. It feels like Trump didn’t pay attention to how this would affect states like New Mexico.
Parents in our community need to know how to feed their kids on a tight budget. A typical shopping trip might cost around $23.52, but using coupons can reduce the price by 7%. If you have a membership card, that helps too—but not everyone has one. For example, say you have food, shampoo, and laundry detergent in your cart, and your total is $201.98. If you’re a senior with a membership card and five coupons, your total could drop to just $50. That makes a big difference, especially for elderly people who struggle to afford basic necessities.
Prices are going up on Amazon too—even for big items like cars. Some car companies are now making tariff-free vehicles, which is helpful. These deals last until 2027, so families can save money and still buy what they need for their homes. It’s also a good idea to put savings into a bank account. I recommend using a debit card because it helps you track spending. A bank like Bank of America can notify you when you’ve overspent and help you manage your money better.
Before Trump signed the tariff contract, people were already worried about rising prices. Many of us went to the bank to withdraw cash for rent and essentials. If you see an ad for a new kitchen or fishing gear that looks cool—like a rod with a four-edged hook for bass and trout—always remember your budget. Essentials like food, dish soap, water, and car repairs come first. These expenses can add up fast.
This is what our future could look like if tariffs keep rising: farms, ranches, and cattle operations may become too expensive to sustain. We could lose the ability to provide for our families and our animals. Then we’d be like the people who lost their homes, struggling just to feed our children.
