Here’s how to dodge them

Retail sales rose 1.4% in March, fueled largely by purchases of big ticket items like cars, ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs kicking in. But that isn’t a good sign — economists expect sales will fall over the next few quarters.

The fact of the matter is tariffs are going to raise prices across the board, but there are ways to sidestep at least some of the price increases. Got a green thumb? Live near some good thrift stores? We’ll tell you how these factors — and more — can help you save as the trade war rages on. 

Americans Estimated to Spend $734.9 Billion on Food and Retail in March

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Americans spent $734.9 billion in retail and food services sales for March 2025. That breaks down to $23.7 billion per DAY! Those mind-boggling numbers got us wondering — what else could you buy with that much money? We found three things that really put our country's monthly spending in context.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Advanced Monthly Retail Trade Survey, April 16, 2025; Forbes, The NFL's Most Valuable Teams 2024; Google Finance; Apple.com, AirPods Pro 2 product page; all accessed April 30, 2025.

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