This year inflation has affected thousands of Chilean families, since it has reached its highest level in 30 years, marking 14.1%.
This data worries Chileans in the face of the celebration of Fiestas Patrias, since the inevitable products on this September 18 will have a higher value than last year.
How will inflation affect this 18th?
In a data survey carried out by the digital investment platform Clever, it was found that parrillar became more expensive by at least 20% between 2021 and 2022, a figure that almost doubles inflation in twelve months and that puts even more pressure on the purchasing power of Chilean households.
The report analyzed the products that make up a classic roast, comparing their average prices in supermarkets throughout Chile in the 35th week of this year – the last days of August, the first days of September – and the previous one, according to the official reports of the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (ODEPA).
Thus, it is concluded that a cut (considering a kilo) of overcostilla, pork pulp and whole trout, plus potatoes, corn, tomatoes and onions -also of one kilo each-, last year had a total price of $ 17,389, while this year it is around $ 21,311. That is, this eighteenth basket increased by 22.5% in twelve months.
Meanwhile, a more “premium” version, which considers cuts of vetoed loin, steak, pork ribs, as well as potatoes, corn, onions and tomatoes, went from costing $ 37,750 in 2021, to $ 45,626 these days. The increase in this case is 20.8%.
“Choose well the place of purchase of the products”
The Finance Content Manager of Clever, Kamila Cortez, highlights that “as seen in this analysis, the high demand for products in festivities makes them more expensive even above the line of inflation, which so far is around 13 points. That’s why it’s important for people to take action, whether it’s looking for options, planning their budget, or strategizing to offset the expense.”
One of the options is to choose well the place of purchase of the products. For example, according to Odepa itself, a kilo of overcostilla in Santiago is 12% cheaper in supermarkets than in butchers, while the potato is 60% cheaper in free fairs. Pork pulp, on the other hand, is 9% cheaper in butcher shops.
Another possibility, from the point of view of household finances, is to plan this expense well. “This does not necessarily mean spending less, but establishing a budget that is considered in your balance of the month. For example, if you receive a bonus, in money, allocate only that amount for the expenses of the celebrations and not also resort to our monthly budget. That not only allows you not to use more than budgeted, it also makes it possible to have clarity on whether in the following months you will have to make adjustments in your expenses, “says Cortez.
The expert in personal finance adds that “a good planning of your finances also allows that, cutting ant expenses during the year, or being more aware of the monthly savings capacity, you can spend better organized holidays such as Easter, the 18th and Christmas. The important thing is to understand that inflation is reflected even more in the festivities, and we must define strategies to combat these increases.”
Credits: Clever
Credits: Clever
Follow us on
