How Appleton and Green Bay residents feel about inflation, economy

On Jul 29, 2024

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WISCONSIN – If you’ve felt that your grocery bill is higher than it was before the pandemic, you’re paying more for gas or your money just isn’t stretching as much as it was in the past — you’re not alone.

Residents of Appleton and Green Bay said they are noticing a significant increase in the money they are spending, and it’s not by choice.

In an effort to take a look at the overall economy of Wisconsin, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin spoke with four Appleton residents and four Green Bay residents about where they stand financially.

We asked them each seven questions:

Would you say you’re better off financially, than you were roughly four years ago?
How have your wages kept pace with the rising costs of the economy?
How have you adjusted your financial behaviors in the last two years?
What are some of the most expensive things you find yourself buying on a regular basis?
Is there anything that you stopped buying in the last couple of years?
Are there any other purchases you’ve been holding off on buying?
Overall, what is your economic mindset?

While some people said they’ve had to make drastic changes to their budgets, like cutting back on vacations and holding off on big purchases, others noted that their income has increased to match rising costs. One thing that most of the residents could agree on was that they felt like the economy had changed over the last four years.

Additionally, we took a close look at grocery prices in both cities, comparing a name-brand and store-brand grocery list at five popular grocery stores to determine which store offers better prices and savings.

Here’s how and why some Wisconsin residents are adjusting their finances to reflect overall rising costs.

People had mixed feelings about where they stood financially four years ago

Looking comparatively at their income in today’s economy versus how much they were making four years ago, many of the respondents had mixed feelings.

Randy Wery of Green Bay said not only was he better off in 2020 than he is now, but he also feels his wages have not kept pace with rising costs. Suzy Hansen of Appleton agrees, saying that her wages have “absolutely not” matched rising prices over the years.

Alternatively, Christina Hernandez of Green Bay said she’s somewhat better now than she was back then. Hernandez said her wages have slightly increased over the years, providing her with a little more spending money.

For Brian Funk of Oshkosh, his wages have just recently begun to match rising costs in the last year.

“My money seems to be going a little bit further now,” Funk said. “We’re able to spend a little bit more.”

How people have adjusted their spending habits

Almost every respondent agreed that they’ve had to adjust their spending habits in some way in the last few years. Whether it was switching grocery stores, cutting coupons or doing less online shopping, people are trying to find ways to save more money.

Despite her wages increasing, Hernandez said she still is noticing a increase in costs when shopping. She said the price of eggs became so unbearable that she turned to raising her own chickens. Dianne Rentmeester in Green Bay said she’s strayed away from buying some food items because of…