Inflation continues to challenge Houston budgets as prices rise 0.3% in June.
HOUSTON — New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows inflation is still putting pressure on Houston-area budgets. Prices in June rose by 0.3% compared to May, a small monthly increase that experts say adds up quickly over time.
“On the surface, it really sounds like it’s a tiny bit of inflation. But the truth is, when you look at that over a year-long period, it’s not so small. A 0.3% is really 3.5% over a year. That’s well above what the Fed wants, which is 2%. So it is significant because first of all, things are getting more expensive,” said Bobbi Rebell, Certified Financial Planner and personal finance expert at CardRates.com.
What’s getting more expensive?
- Coffee and citrus products: Prices up more than 2% in June.
- Eggs: Prices dropped last month, but are still elevated compared to last year.
- Housing and shelter costs: Rent, homeownership, and hotel stays rose 0.2% last month and are up nearly 4% over the year.
Rebell explained how even small increases can strain household budgets: “If you need gasoline to fill your car, to get to your job, to get your kids to where they need to go, you’re going to buy it at almost any price.”
While egg prices have shown some relief, much of the ongoing inflation is still tied to tariffs, supply issues, and interest rates.
“You can’t control inflation. At the end of the day, if the grocery store that you go to raises egg prices by a certain percent, you can do only what you can do, which is either buy fewer or expand your budget,” said Rebell.
How to protect your budget
- Reviewing your household budget regularly
- Shopping smart and comparing prices
- Looking for deals and promotions on essentials
While some prices may stabilize, other everyday items remain more expensive, making careful spending more important than ever.