Seeking encouragement due to tariff/price increase anxiety

[u/ChiMara777]

I’m extremely frugal and only purchase necessities, often procrastinating on purchases (due to analysis paralysis) or just making do without things I need. I am low income and have financial anxiety due to growing up in poverty.

Trump’s tariff orders this week have been causing me a lot of anxiety. I’ve been feeling a lot of pressure to make purchases now in order to avoid potential price increases in the future. I’ve been spending a lot of time considering what purchases I’ve been putting off or will need to make in the coming months and trying to make decisions.

One positive is I bought a new pair of running shoes yesterday (it’s time for a new pair anyway and I was able to get them on sale; they are made in Vietnam where a 46% tariff has been announced).

Does anyone have any feedback or encouragement for me related to the anxiety surrounding tariffs and price increases? One thing I’ve thought of is to consider if I can find a way to make do without these things if necessary.

[u/No-Temperature-7708]

I am a graphic designer and work on a MacBook, it is now 10 years old and lagging. I am in the EU and Apple products will become much more expensive. My partner has a PC desktop I can use if mine stops working... but some files I receive for work are on Apple software. I have found ways to work around this, but it is more time-consuming than having a new Apple computer.

Haven't decided what to do yet.

[u/Standard_Bee3296 → u/No-Temperature-7708]

I’m too am a freelance graphic designer working on a 6 year old computer. I considered upgrading a month ago but didn’t think it was needed now I’m starting to second guess my decision.

[u/Old-Act-232 → u/No-Temperature-7708]

I'd say keep refurbished devices in mind if you do decide to get a new (to you) Mac. Sadly don't have any recommendations for EU resources tho.

[u/No-Temperature-7708 → u/Old-Act-232]

Yeah, this is a good option, thanks!