Consumers tend to make straightforward New Year resolutions: Spend less, save more and pay down debt. This year, it appears retailers want to change just one thing...their bottom line. The tried-and-true methods aren't working anymore as consumers learn to resist the urge to buy, so merchants are starting their own trends.

According to Bloomberg, consumer spending stalled in December, with a rise of just 0.1 percent, as Americans took advantage of last year's slight jump in income to restore depleted savings. So what are retailers doing to change this trend? Here are a few examples.

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According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated $1.8 billion will be spent on flowers this year for Valentine's Day. That's about 100 million roses -- mostly red -- sold and delivered in a three-day time period. It's possible roses smell more like greenbacks for florists across the country.

Before you part with your hard-earned cash this Feb. 14, keep the following tips in mind to save money when buying flowers.

1. Stick to a Budget

Once you enter that sweet-smelling shop, it's hard to remember how much you planned on spending. Each bouquet looks bigger and better, but the prices aren't equally as pretty. Costs vary between florists, so don't hesitate to shop around. Keep in mind that it's a lot easier to compare prices over the phone if you already know what you want.

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Not interested in jumping on the expensive Valentine's Day wagon?  Then it's time to remember that romance isn't intrinsically linked to throwing cash around.  There are many ways to treat your loved one to a special date without emptying your wallet, and Mr. Free Stuff has compiled a list of "44 Free Date Ideas for Valentine's Day" for your consideration.  Here's a sampling to get the wheels turning:

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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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Super Bowl XLVI kicks off in less than a week and in addition to soaring chicken-wing prices, delectable dip recipes and the season's best football, the big game brings with it some of the lowest prices of the year on electronics (save for Black Friday, of course).

If you've wanted to upgrade your big screen, enhance your surround sound or switch to a smartphone for instant play updates, now is a better time than ever. However, intercepting the best deals takes a smart shopping strategy.

Review this play-by-play buying guide to learn how to tackle super savings on game-day gadgets:

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There is nothing worse than a bad haircut.

The one thing you can’t do with a bad haircut is uncut it, so you just have to wait for it to grow out before you can fix it. That’s how expert gardener Carol Chernega views the art and science of pruning a shrub. If you trim it the wrong way, you’re only compounding your problems, but learning the right way is not nearly as difficult as going to cosmetology school.

“Instead of giving your shrubs a bad haircut, it’s actually very simple to give them a day at the spa, instead,” said Chernega, producer and star of the DVD Pruning Shrubs with Your Personal Gardener (www.onegardenatatime.biz). Her tips on pruning might not only change your style, but help transform your garden and landscaping, as well.

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