Economy holds, but prices rise
Asked, "Economically, how will 2012 compare to 2011?" 28 percent of voters at CdaPress.com responded things will get worse. A surprising 48 percent say 2012 will be a better year. Yet it was the remaining quarter who pegged it, according to most economic predictions: 2012 will be about the same, with steadily slow growth measurable in inches rather than miles.
The 48 percent may be wrong about the economy in general, but they are right about some basics. While some growth in jobs and other specific markers is expected, costs aren't necessarily following suit. According to CNN Money, Americans will pay more for at least six things this year.
Fly away fast. Already travelers are paying more for airline tickets than they did last year. It will get worse; buy soon if you plan to fly. Rising fuel costs and other problems plague the airlines, so expect a 10 to 15 percent rise in domestic and international fares. As if that isn't enough, routes will get more restricted as airlines fly less frequently to reign in costs. Supply and demand dictate another excuse for higher fares.
Vegetarian advantage. Okay, maybe not; have you priced veggies lately? Carnivores will pay even more for meat and fish in 2012. Again blame it on fuel/transportation costs, but raw food shortages also span the globe. Food costs increased an average 8 percent last year, and should spike another 4 percent this year.
Java blues. Caffeine's bad for you, anyway. If you noticed price increases at coffee shacks, that's because they paid 18 percent more for wholesale coffee in 2011. Market predictions indicate further increases this year. Starbucks prices are up already in some states.
Where's my hybrid? Even before Europe's embargo and the new U.S. law punishing business dealings with Iran, gas prices were pointed at the moon. I paid 10 cents more per gallon when I filled up yesterday and have heard estimates reaching $5 before year-end. I'm skeptical; demand tends to temper anything above $4.
Snail mail. The first class stamp rose one cent on Jan. 22. Priority and express mail costs 3 to 4 percent more. That'll do it for the year; we'll see about 2013.
Blue-jean baby goes barefoot. In other words, cotton's getting pricier. Jeans, socks, undies and other raw material-based apparel is expected to increase up to 10 percent. Another one of those farm crops we're seeing in shorter supply.
Still, shoppers are getting smarter. Discounts, promotions, bundling, and local coupons (like Getitcda.com) offset price rises; carpooling and consolidating planned errands reduce gas demand; thrift stores are seeing business they haven't seen in decades.
We'll hang in there; we always do as long as we support each other. Shop local instead of Amazon, buy food in-season and choose locally owned restaurants. When the weather gets nicer break out the bicycle. All contribute to sustaining each other as we climb out of this recession.
"I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders." - Jewish proverb
Sholeh Patrick, J. D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholehjo@hotmail.com