If it seems as though your dollar is not stretching as far as it used to no matter how hard you try, you are not alone. Many of the things that we need and use on a daily basis are getting more expensive. Two of the most obvious items that have been increasing (and increasing and increasing) in price are food and gasoline. While we can do our best to shop smart for our groceries and conserve on gas by carpooling and consolidating errands, we cannot eliminate these items from our budgets like we can do with other things like premium television packages (or even television altogether) and other nonessential expenses.
With so much to notice as far as prices going up, you may not have noticed that prices on at least a few things have been going down. I know that I did not notice it until I read about it. For example, lodging prices dropped nearly eight percent between last July and this January. Of course, the price of fuel makes it more expensive to drive or fly to the places that you want to go but the reduced lodging prices may help offset that expense a little, so double check your options before you automatically decide to forego a vacation this year.
Prices on household goods like furniture, linens, and even some appliances have also declined. Computers, audio equipment, and televisions have also gotten cheaper. Here’s one price decrease that seems totally unfair – prices on men’s clothing have dropped, while those on women’s clothing have not (except for hosiery). At least I can take advantage of the price drop on infant apparel and get some cute clothes for my little boy. Of course, even as the prices on some items stay low or get even lower, a good deal is only a good deal if it fits into the larger picture of your budget. If you have a little money to spare and you need some of the items that are currently less expensive, go out there and check some prices – you may end up with a great deal on something that you have wanted for a while.