Five Things You'll Pay More For in 2013
Another year another shift in prices. This year is no exception and here are the top five things you'll have to budget extra for this year.
- Steaks, hamburgers and bacon
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the price of meats will rise between 3 and 4 percent. This increase is caused by the drought we experienced last year, which drove up the price of corn (a common ingredient in animal feed).
- Satellite television
If you're planning on switching your satellite provider to get a good introductory rate now is a good time. Both Dish Network and Directv are showing as high of an increase as a $15 a month or 8% respectively. This will take effect as early as February 7th, but new customers taking advantage of introductory perks are shielded from the spikes.
- Baseball tickets
Struggling teams aren't just hurting in the standings anymore. Due to low attendance of poorly performing teams, their ticket prices have nearly doubled in an effort to get the consumers to buy ticket bundles to help increase attendance. I guess it pays to have a successful team.
- Milk, cheese and eggs
The drought strikes again, raising dairy prices by at most 4.5% If that projection is accurate milk will go from $3.65 to $3.81 per gallon. We can at least take solace in the fact that the prices could have doubled this year due to the dairy cliff that was prevented by the Congressional fiscal cliff deal
- New Cars
Everyone understands that a new car costs more than a used one, but if you're shopping new this year watch out for sticker shock. Most manufacturers are raising the base rate of their new cars by at least $1,000. At least new cars come with more features so you'll be paying more to get more.
Five Things You'll Pay Less For in 2013
Now that you've been sufficiently saddened by how much more you'll be spending this year let's take a look at what you'll be saving on for 2013
- Used cars
Average used car prices in 2012 were $16,000 but this year we could see it drops by hundreds of dollars due to an increase in inventory from lease terminations. Now is a good time to shop used.
- Gas
It doesn't seem like it but the average price of gas will go down 20 cents from 2012's $3.63 / gallon to 2013's projected $3.43 / gallon. This is a tentative projection because extreme weather and tensions in the middle east can cause dramatic changes in gas prices.
- Vacation Packages
Airline fares are going to increase this year. Which is why you have to plan ahead and take advantage of vacation bundles. Booking your airfare and hotel together can save you thousands. For example a week long Cancun trip, buying everything separately can cost $3,643 but if you bundle you can get the same thing for just $1,440. Maybe the Priceline negotiator doesn't seem so crazy right about now.
- Solar Energy Panels
Solar panels and going green might not seem appealing to you personally but for those who see it as a good energy source you'll be glad to read this. "A five-kilowatt residential solar system that can heat an average-sized house is projected to cost between $25,000 and $30,000 this year, compared to $35,000 and $42,000 last year." This according to CNN Money author Melanie Hicken. With tax credits at 30% and energy savings of thousands a year going green might get you more green then you thought.
- Flat screen TVs
Don't be afraid of Black Friday. Last year a 32" LCD sold at Walmart for $148 and this year drops in prices are projected at about 11% including 50+ inch models.
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