Inflation slowing, but Utah families still having to make adjustments

RIVERDALE, Utah — Inflation is slowing, but some Utah families are still feeling the sting.

Riverdale mom Becca Wiser is an accountant, and she keeps track of her family’s finances a little more closely than the average person. According to Wiser, she’s spending about $200 more a month on groceries compared to what she was spending a year ago.

To keep up, Wiser said she’s had to make adjustments, including making changes to her family’s weekly dinner menu to try and save wherever possible.

“It used to be an easy Monday night dinner to do scrambled eggs. And now I’m leaning more toward meat being our protein — rather than egg — on the easy, cheap night meal because it’s not so cheap anymore.”

Wiser said she looks for deals and shop sales as much as possible. And, she’s noticed people shopping clearance racks and discount stores.

Wiser also said the coupons that restaurants are sending out include fewer items, or deals that aren’t as good as they have been previously.

“At the beginning of the year, as I got new coupons for January, I noticed that some of the family packs are missing. And I’m so disappointed.”

Her family has also changed the way they vacation.

“This year, rather than going to California or something for our yearly February trip, we are going to Moab.”

And it’s not just her family feeling the pinch of inflation. Wiser said her community felt its effects this  holiday season

“I volunteer with Community Christmas, and we saw so many people in need this year. More kids than ever before were registered to get help.”

But, Wiser pointed out a silver lining — the organization had an outpouring of people wanting to help kids in need.

Related: Housing and interest rates to be big in Utah’s 2023 financial forecast