5 Ways to Survive the Dollar's Dive

While the cost of goods in the U.S. won't increase as much as those being imported, that doesn't mean you won't see the cost of domestic products much higher. As U.S.-made goods begin to look less expensive relative to the rising price of imported items, the situation creates a gap in price and competition eases.

It isn't in the interest of the U.S. companies to keep their prices low. They will raise prices so they are still less expensive than foreign competitors, but won't leave prices at low levels when they can pad their profit margins with little ill effect from the price increase. This means consumers end up paying more for both domestic and imported products.

What you can do: Stockpile non-perishable goods you know that you will need and use when you see a good deal. Also, begin looking at locally-made alternatives. For example, look at farmers' markets and other locally-grown food that won't include as much in transportation costs as part of their price.

4. Travel

If you are planning travel outside the U.S., it will be a lot more expensive than you anticipated. The dollar buys less and those foreign bargains are no longer a bargain at all. With the dollar buying less lodging, food and travel within the foreign country, any trip is going to cost a lot more than it did in the past.