9 things more expensive in 2012

Think consumer prices are high now? 

Just wait until after New Year's Day, when we are going to start to see a number of price hikes show up on store shelves.

The money saving website Deal News.com says a combination of high oil prices, earthquakes and violent weather in Japan and Thailand, and a recovering U.S. economy will push prices higher on a number of goods.

With oil now at $100 a barrel, a record for the end of December, anything oil related or impacted by oil prices -- such as shipping -- will rise in the new year. And if oil moves up to $120 or higher next spring, anything that is shipped by truck will almost invariably go up as well.

Prices going up soon

Deal News says expect to see price hikes on:

Gasoline:  Many experts are predicting the return of $4 gas by May.

Airfare:  Rising jet fuel prices will send fares higher again.  Plus, flights to Europe will be hit with a new $30 round trip "green tax."

Digital cameras:  The Smartphone has replaced cheap point-and-shoots, so remaining cameras will have more high-end features and cost more.

Computer hard drives and desktop computers: Deal News says record flooding in Thailand, where parts for hard drives originate, has created a shortage, which means prices are already going up. Also, as cheap laptops take over the consumer market, desktops are becoming more professional, with more features.

Municipal fees:  As cities and towns see state aid plunge, they will raise fees on everything from parking passes to dog licenses and tickets.

Water:  Water bill not high enough already? New environmental regulations and the cost of repairing water mains will continue to send costs higher.

Shipping:  Deal News says the Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx are all planning price hikes between 4 and 5 percent for 2012, due to higher oil prices and employee costs.

Grocery store food:  Prices will rise again, primarily due to rising shipping costs.

And cell phone data plans:  As customers use more and more data, rates will rise, and Sprint's free unlimited data plans may not last much longer, according to experts.

Prices did not rise much during the 2008 - 2010 recession, so be prepared for companies, cities, and towns, to begin passing along more costs to the consumer in 2012.

As always, don't waste your money.

_____________________

Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co.

"Like" John Matarese on Facebook.

Follow John on Twitter