Inflation, Tariffs, and the Rising Price of… T-Shirts?

Welcome back to the Pink Money Podcast, where we talk about money from a queer perspective. Today I want to tackle something that affects all of us: inflation and tariffs. Prices naturally creep up over time, but lately it feels like they’re spiraling faster than usual. Why does this happen — and what can you do about it?

A Simple T-Shirt Example

Imagine I start a small T-shirt business.

• At first, I buy 3 shirts wholesale for $10 and sell them at $20 each. That’s a $50 profit.

• Then the wholesaler raises prices to $13. To keep my profit steady, I raise my retail price to $21 per shirt.

• Next, a 50% tariff hits the fabric distributor. That cost passes to the wholesaler, then to me, and finally to my customers. Now my shirts cost about $23 each.

That’s how tariffs and inflation show up in our daily lives — the costs move down the chain until the consumer pays the difference.

A Historical Lesson: Weimar Germany

Now let’s take this to the extreme. In the early 1920s, Weimar Germany faced shortages, rationing, and crushing war reparations. The government printed money to cover costs — and hyperinflation exploded.

• In 1918, a loaf of bread cost 0.5 marks.

• By late 1923, it cost over 200 billion marks.

People carried wheelbarrows of cash to buy groceries. Kids played with worthless bills like toys. Families wallpapered their homes with money because it was cheaper than buying paper.

This is what happens when inflation runs wild: savings are destroyed, bartering replaces cash, and trust in money evaporates.

Why This Matters Today

We’re not living in Weimar Germany, but rising prices and global tariffs are real pressures right now. Businesses can only absorb so much before passing costs along — and consumers like you and me feel it directly at the checkout counter.

What You Can Do

You can’t control tariffs or supply shortages, but you can strengthen your own financial position. Here’s where to start:

• Build an emergency fund: Aim for 3–6 months of expenses.

• Pay down high-interest debt first: That 19% credit card balance eats away at everything you’ve saved.

• Be smart with big purchases: Cars lose value quickly — buy what you need, not what impresses.

• Consider extra income: A side hustle, a roommate, or even turning a hobby into a business can give you flexibility.

Think of it as giving yourself breathing room when the world gets more expensive.

Final Thoughts

Inflation and tariffs may be out of your control, but your financial priorities are not. Protect yourself, pay yourself first, and don’t be afraid to make hard choices today to build stability tomorrow.

If you want to dive deeper into the numbers and examples from today’s episode, I’ve posted this transcript and extra notes on my blog at PinkMoneyPodcast.com.

Thanks for listening — and reading. Until next time, stay informed, stay prepared, and keep control of your money.