Complaints about soaring prices have been on everyone's lips since 2022. However, hope may be on the horizon if you're hoping to keep more cash in your wallet this year.
According to the federal government's Consumer Price Index, many household items are less expensive now than a year ago.
Inflation was 3.2% overall between November 2022 and November 2023, but prices are falling for these products
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Eggs
Anyone trying to save money on groceries must be thrilled by the price of eggs lately.
Egg prices peaked in January 2023 due to an avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak, which severely limited supply.
The supply of eggs has recently recovered, and prices have returned to more normal levels. Eggs are 22.3% cheaper now than they were a year ago.
Gasoline
Mercifully, gasoline prices have fallen from their peak in the summer of 2022. The cost of gas dropped 8.9% between November 2022 and November 2023.
If that trend continues, the prospect of a road trip this summer will look much more promising.
Big appliances
If you’re in the market for a new home appliance, you’re in luck: Major appliances have dropped 10.6% in price.
In particular, laundry equipment prices have dipped 12%.
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Car and truck rentals
While the cost of transportation services as a category has risen, the price of car and truck rentals has decreased.
This cost is now 10.7% lower than a year ago — a boon if you need a rental car or a moving truck.
Wireless phone service
Unless you’re locked into a contract, your cell phone bill is likely cheaper than it was this time last year.
Wireless telephone service costs have dropped by 2.8%. It’s not a lot, but it should put a few extra bucks back in your wallet.
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Gas service
We all welcome any decrease in utility costs, so it is great to see a 10.4% drop in gas service prices.
If your home is heated with piped gas, you’re much luckier than those who heat with electricity. The cost of electricity has gone up 3.4%.
Fuel oil
Those who heat with fuel oil have seen their utility bills have taken an even bigger drop.
Fuel oil is now 24.8% less expensive than last year, making it a great time to fill up your fuel tank if you’re running low.
Used cars and trucks
Now might be the time to purchase a used car or truck, as the price of such vehicles has dropped 3.8%.
This is good news for buyers who have seen high prices on used vehicles in recent years.
Airline tickets
Leaving on a jet plane? You’re in luck because airfare has dropped 12.1% in the last year.
The price decline might be the result of airlines smoothing out pilot and plane shortages since 2022.
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Milk
This grocery staple is now cheaper than it once was, with milk prices falling by 2.4%.
Whole milk is the variety that has enjoyed the biggest price drop, at 2.9%. Other dairy milk is down by 1.8%.
Bacon and sausage
Bring on the bacon because it’s on sale: Bacon, sausage, and other related products have dipped 1.1% over the last year.
Pork products
The “other white meat” is slightly cheaper these days, enjoying a 0.5% price drop.
Ham specifically has gotten less expensive by 1.4%, while pork chops have actually risen in price by 0.7%.
Apples
Keeping the doctor away became more affordable: Apple prices fell 5.8% between November 2022 and November 2023.
Fresh fish and seafood
The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings of fish per week, and doing so just got a bit less expensive.
Fresh fish and seafood prices are down 2.5%, and frozen seafood products are down 2.6%.
Cheese
There are more than 1,800 varieties of cheese, and trying them will now be a little easier on your wallet.
Cheese and related products are 2.6% cheaper than they were a year ago.
Lettuce
Good news for those who love salads: Prices on lettuce are down 10.2% from last year.
Lettuce saw a massive price increase in 2022 due to a virus that wreaked havoc on many lettuce crops, particularly in California.
Butter
Like other dairy products, this kitchen staple has enjoyed a price drop.
Butter is now 0.9% less expensive than it was last year. So, go ahead — you can slather a little extra on your toast.
Furniture
Couches, chairs, and tables are currently at lower prices — 5.1% cheaper than they were last year.
The price drop covers kitchen, living room, and dining room furniture.
Dishes and flatware
Now is a great time to stock up on plates, bowls, and silverware, as this spending category has seen a 4.2% price drop in the last year.
Girls’ apparel
You can now save money shopping for clothes for the girls in your life: Prices have dropped by 1.5%.
Curiously, the price of boys’ apparel has risen 3.5% for the same period.
Bottom line
The gloomy clouds of high inflation have finally started to lift. Many items are coming down in price to the relief of those hoping to get ahead financially in 2024.
These price decreases give consumers a glimmer of hope that basic necessities will be more affordable as the year rolls on.
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