3 Items that Will Cost Less in 2012

The price of everything is going up. No matter where you look, you'll see that consumer spending is down and prices are up. If you have to sum up the forecast for 2012, it's going to be the year where everything costs more and everything is more expensive.

In fact, my recent story on price increases outlined some of the items that will cost more in 2012. These include groceries, garbage services, and gadgets, such as Smartphones.

While no one wants to hear that the cost of everything is on the rises, there is a glimmer of good news for 2012: according to the folks at DealNews, there are a handful of items that will actually cost less in 2012 than they did in 2011. Here are 3 such items that will be less expensive in 2012:

1. iPads and Other Tablets: If you still haven't gotten on the iPad, tablet, or e-reader bandwagon, 2012 may be the year to finally take the leap. With newer versions of the iPad, tablets, Kindles, and more on the horizon, the prices on older models will soon start falling. I know that I hesitated forever about getting an e-reader. Then my husband surprised me with a Nook for my birthday last year. Not only do I love it, but I also love that I can still support my local bookstore and shop local by downloading e-books through its website.
2. Bottles of Wine: Dealnews says that most American wine drinkers are leaving the expensive bottles of wine on the wine store shelf and going for the lower-priced brands—not simply because they are motivated by price but also because these bargain brands have actually improved in quality. Where I live Pennsylvania is responsible for selling wine and spirits, and when I stopped in to my local Pennsylvania wine store over New Year's weekend, I noticed that wines were being sold not just by variety but by price as well.
3. Home Prices: 2011 was not a good year for home sales. And 2012 isn't expected to be much better for home sales. What that means is the price of a home for sale is likely to stay depressed as well. A recent Kiplinger's article predicts that home sale prices in the first half of 2012 will be down 2 percent.