The Reality of Inflation and Everyday Costs
Inflation has hit nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From the cost of eggs to the price of toilet paper, it seems like basic necessities are getting more expensive by the day.
Meanwhile, what we once considered luxuries—like streaming services and eating out—have become ingrained in our standard of living. But as prices continue to climb, one thing is clear: food is going to be the biggest area where we can cut costs and still maintain a reasonable quality of life.
This guide will break down how inflation has affected daily essentials, why bulk shopping like Costco isn’t always an option for small families or college students, and the best strategies for slashing your grocery bill while still eating well.
The Cost of Everyday Necessities: Eggs, Toilet Paper, and Streaming
Eggs: The Unexpected Symbol of Inflation
Eggs have become a prime example of inflation in action. Once a cheap protein source, prices have fluctuated wildly due to supply chain disruptions, bird flu, and increasing production costs. While prices have stabilized somewhat, they remain higher than what many of us were used to paying.
What this means for frugal shoppers:
- Consider alternatives like beans, lentils, or even peanut butter for affordable protein.
- Watch for grocery store sales or discount chains where eggs may be cheaper.
- Buying in bulk may not always be an option, but checking unit prices can help you get the best deal.
Toilet Paper: Bulk Savings vs. Budget Constraints
Toilet paper is another necessity that has seen price hikes. While stores like Costco offer great savings per roll, not everyone can afford the upfront cost of a bulk purchase, especially if you’re a college student or a small household.
Frugal alternatives and strategies:
- Stick with store brands—they’re often just as good as name brands.
- Look for sales and stock up when prices drop.
- If you live with roommates, consider splitting bulk purchases.
Streaming Services: A Modern-Day Essential?
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and countless other streaming services have become part of what we consider a normal standard of living. However, with recent price hikes and the introduction of ad-supported tiers, many are starting to rethink their subscriptions.
Ways to cut back:
- Rotate subscriptions instead of paying for multiple at once.
- Use student discounts when available.
- Consider free streaming alternatives like Pluto TV, Tubi, or library services like Kanopy.
Why Food Will Be the Key to Budgeting in 2025 and Beyond
Food is one of the few areas in a budget where significant savings can still be made. Unlike rent or utilities, you have more control over your grocery spending. And with restaurant prices soaring, learning how to cook at home is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.
How We Are Shopping to Save Money
Here are some key strategies to help cut your grocery bill:
- Buy store brands – Generic brands are often just as good as name brands and cost significantly less.
- Use grocery apps and coupons – Digital coupons and cashback apps like Ibotta can lead to extra savings.
- Shop at discount stores – Aldi, WinCo, and other discount chains often have lower prices than mainstream grocery stores.
- Plan meals around sales – Instead of shopping with a set list, base your meals on what’s discounted.
- Use the freezer wisely – Buying meat and veggies in bulk when they’re on sale and freezing them for later can stretch your budget.
Check out these articles for a full breakdown of where we shop and how we budget our grocery trips.
Why We’re Saying Goodbye to Walmart in 2025
How Cutting Down on Grocery Stores Helped Me Save Money and Eat Better
Broke College Student Meals: Saving Money and Time
Cooking in college doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some of our favorite meals that are cheap, easy, and time-saving:
- Rice & beans – A classic, high-protein meal that costs next to nothing.
- Sardines with rice or bread – High in protein, omega-3s, and budget-friendly.
- Oatmeal – A cheap, filling breakfast that keeps you full for hours.
- Egg fried rice – A great way to use up leftovers and stretch a small amount of protein.
- Homemade ramen upgrades – Adding an egg, frozen veggies, or a little meat can turn cheap instant noodles into a real meal.
For cheaper meal ideas, check out some of my broke college student recipes below.
Affordable Chinese Food Recipe for Broke College Students: A Budget-Friendly Meal
Vegetable Stew Soup Without Meat
My Current Favorite Broke College Student Meal
Broke College Meals: BBQ Chicken, Brown Rice, Gravy, Spinach, and Fried Rice
Another Favorite Broke College Student Meal: Timeless Tacos
Final Thoughts: Adjusting to the New Normal
While inflation continues to impact everyday costs, making small changes—especially in how we shop for food—can lead to big savings. Being mindful of grocery spending, cutting back on unnecessary subscriptions, and adjusting to smarter shopping habits will make a noticeable difference in your budget.
For more on external sources on how food costs are rising check out:
By being strategic with food spending, college students and small families can still live well while keeping costs under control. Inflation may be unavoidable, but smart grocery habits are entirely within our control.
The Broke College Student 
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