Prices go up and prices go down, but this year they're going every which way. While it's difficult to predict how the economy will impact the cost of products and services, there are several sure bets on both ends of the scale. Here are a few predictions:

PRICES GOING UP

Orange Juice

The FDA discovered "low levels" of a fungicide in the 2011 orange crop imported from Brazil, the world's largest produce of oranges.

Airfare

More people want to fly, but the airlines have trimmed their sales and are putting fewer planes in the air. Expect an increase between 3 percent and 10 percent worldwide.

Parking Rates and Tickets

Cash-strapped cities will try to boost their budgets by increasing city-imposed fees.

Gas

Did you enjoy that recent small reprieve from high gas prices? Well don't get used to it; the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts regular gas will average $3.45 this year.

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Though the Super Bowl isn't an official holiday, it certainly gets the same special treatment. On the day of the big game, roads clear and stores empty as millions of Americans crowd around TVs to watch the perennial battle for the ultimate American sporting prize.

The game is free to watch but the cost of hosting a party adds up quickly. When you're working on a shoestring budget, this can feel like a major obstacle to having the supreme Super Bowl shindig. While you probably won't be able to afford the coveted nacho-cheese fountain, there are still plenty of low-cost ways to set your party apart. As you plan your Feb. 5 festivities, keep a few of these affordable ideas in mind.

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JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it's merchandise - a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.

Wouldn't it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it's likely they won't, now is a good time to brush up on your department store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.

1. Befriend Sales Associates

Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be "I'm just looking," consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.

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What to Give...The Hard-to-Buy-For People on Your Christmas List!

We all have those people on our gift-giving list that are impossible to buy for.  We rack our brains trying to figure out the perfect gift for them every year.  Here are some great suggestions for those difficult loved ones:

1. The Friends with Expensive Tastes: "Think small, but deliver big," says Robyn Freedman Spizman, author of The Giftionary.  If she likes designer duds, get a designer wallet or key chain.
2. The Friend Who's Struggling: Parents appreciate knowing that their children can continue the activities they love.  So spring for soccer lessons or the YMCA membership (check with parents first).  Or offer to babysit.
3. The Friend Who Has Everything: "People love gifts that offer them a better way of doing something," says Spizman.  What does she do regularly?  Does she cut flowers with scissors?  Try a travel mug or rose clippers.
4. The Person Who Never Likes Anything: More of what you're sure she does like:  a certain scent, etc.
5. Mom and Dad: Hobby gifts.  Ask someone with the same hobby what's the best gift he's ever gotten.  A runner might tell you about a great wrist key holder; a knitter, an extravagant yarn.

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“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”  This saying may seem obvious, although today’s youth seem to think the opposite. Who can blame them though – unlike the baby boomers the new generation of youth have grown up in a time of economic prosperity and are used to being coddled by their parents.  In 2011 alone, over 85 percent of college graduates will be moving back home (Huffington Post).

Recently, the economic situation has shown us that anything can happen at any given moment and we (and our children) need to be prepared. Though it may not be possible to teach a pre-schooler the complexities behind 401Ks and credit cards, it is possible to start teaching children the importance of money at an early age.

Chicago Healers Practitioner Julie Murphy Casserly (CLU, ChFC, CFP) stresses the importance of instilling good money habits in children as early as possible and offers easy conversation topics to address the issue at every age.

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There's  nothing better at the end of a long, hard day than a nice, relaxing shower.  I love taking steaming hot showers, for the water just seems to melt all of the stress away (and leaves me feeling clean and fresh).

Of course, if you've ever stayed at a hotel with a bad showerhead, or watched that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry has low water pressure, you'll know that the showerhead you choose to use can make or break your bathing experience.

LevAqua creates innovative and appealing solutions that are functional, easy to use and affordable for both the kitchen and bath.  They recently allowed me to review the FH220 fixed digital showerhead.  Keep reading to learn more!

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