Video #21 - You’re Paying Less for Groceries, but More at the Pump—Here's the Math in 2026

Summary
In this episode, Ryan Earley discusses significant changes to Mississippi's tax structure, particularly focusing on the reduction of the grocery sales tax and the increase in gasoline taxes. Effective July 1, 2025, the grocery sales tax will decrease from 7% to 5%, providing substantial savings for households. For instance, a household earning $100,000 will save approximately $200 annually on groceries. However, this is counterbalanced by an increase in gasoline taxes, which will rise from 18 cents to 21 cents per gallon, leading to an additional $48 in annual expenses for the same household. Overall, the net savings for these households will be around $152 per year, prompting a discussion on whether residents are better off financially in 2026.

Ryan also offers practical advice for maximizing these tax changes, such as checking grocery receipts for eligible items, improving fuel efficiency to offset rising gas taxes, and investing any savings to avoid lifestyle inflation. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in managing personal finances amidst these tax shifts, setting the stage for future discussions on property taxes in upcoming videos.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mississippi's Tax Changes
00:49 Impact of Grocery Tax Reduction
02:05 Gasoline Tax Increase Explained
04:09 Calculating Net Savings for Households
05:10 Actionable Tips for Maximizing Savings
06:27 Conclusion and Future Topics

Keywords
Mississippi taxes, grocery tax reduction, gasoline tax increase, personal finance, tax savings, household budgeting, SNAP eligible items, fuel efficiency, financial advice, PERS members


DISCLAIMERS
This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented here is based on publicly available information regarding the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and is intended solely to serve as a general guide to understanding eligibility requirements.

No Professional Advice: This video does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or retirement planning advice. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Always consult directly with Mississippi PERS, a certified financial advisor, a certified public accountant, or a legal professional before making any decisions regarding your retirement benefits.

No Official Affiliation: Neither the host, the content creators, nor this YouTube channel are officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).

Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, laws, policies, and official documentation are subject to change. We cannot guarantee that all information presented is completely current or error-free. The official rules and regulations of the Mississippi PERS always take precedence.

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