Coffee prices are on the rise—up a staggering 21% in 2025, and you can bet your morning brew that it's hitting us right in the wallet! We dive into the nitty-gritty of why that’s happening, from the weather woes in Brazil to the lingering effects of tariffs from the Trump administration. But hey, it’s not just coffee; the Yale Budget Lab has some eye-opening stats that show the average household has lost nearly $4,000 in purchasing power this year alone. That's a hefty chunk of change that most of us just can't afford to lose, right? So, let's chat about those sneaky little expenses that have crept into our grocery bills—what have you cut back on lately? Let’s share our money-saving hacks and keep our wallets a little fuller!

Coffee lovers, brace yourselves! In a twist of fate that’ll make you spill your morning brew, coffee prices have skyrocketed by a whopping 21% in 2025! I mean, who knew our beloved cup of joe could pull a stunt like this? Let’s break it down: the Bureau of Labor Statistics is waving the flag, and the reasons behind this caffeine crisis are as spicy as your favorite coffee blend. We’re talking about Brazil’s weather throwing a wrench in the coffee harvest, plus let’s not forget about the 50% tariff from the Trump era that’s still haunting our wallets like an ex at a party. I can hear the roasters now: “Sorry, folks, but we have to pass the buck... or should I say, the beans?” If that’s not enough to make you reevaluate your grocery list, consider the Yale Budget Lab’s findings — households are losing nearly $4,000 in purchasing power just this year! Yikes! It’s like money is disappearing faster than a donut at a police convention. So, what little luxuries are you cutting back on? I’d love to hear about your grocery sacrifices over at jamesabrown.net! And remember, folks, keep your spirits high and your coffee even higher!

Takeaways:

• Coffee prices skyrocketed by 21% in 2025, making our caffeine fixes a bit more pricey!
• The weather in Brazil has impacted coffee production, so let's hope for sunny days ahead!
• Thanks to the Trump administration's 50% tariff, roasters are passing costs down to us customers.
• On average, households lost nearly $4,000 in purchasing power in 2025. Yikes, that's a lot!
• Little price increases can sneak up on us, like that extra 30 cents on coffee beans.
• It's time to reflect on what small items we've cut from our grocery lists lately.

Links referenced in this episode:

• jamesabrown.net
• yale_budget_lab.com

That's Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Part of it is the weather in Brazil.

But we can't forget the 50% tariff from the Trump administration.

And it's no surprise that those roasters passed on the cost to us.

The Yale Budget Lab says a lot of people are doing that.

That's four grand that most of us don't have to spare.

It sneaks up on us.

You don't notice the extra 30 cents on a bag of beans until you don't buy them.

And then the thing after that, and then the thing after that.

So what small things have you cut out of your grocery bills?

Let me know on jamesabrown.net, on that note.

I'm James A.

Brown, and as always, be well.