Health Care
Health care rates are forecasted to leap 6.3%. Typical employee expenses, such as premiums plus out-of-pocket expenses, are anticipated to average $4,814, up from $4,400 in 2012.
Experts state employee premiums continue to increase as businesses look for ways to reduce healthcare expenses.
Taxes
Although the fiscal cliff deal helped Americans steer clear of a few tax hikes, employees will certainly continue to shell out more in taxes this coming year.
Congress permitted the payroll tax cut to run out on Dec. 31, permitting the rate to go back to its higher level. Now, millions of workers will pay a tax of 6.2%, instead of 4.2%, on his or her first $113,700 in annual income.
Public Transit
Commuters in lots of cities across the nation will likely be made to pay higher costs in 2013.
In numerous regions, transportation agencies will continue to encounter higher operating costs and flat tax revenues, making fare holders fill the void.
Mail
Following another year of record losses for the USPS, sending letters and packages will get more expensive in 2013.
On Jan. 27, the price of a regular postage stamp increases by a penny to 46 cents and a postcard stamp will go up by one cent to 33 cents. To send out 2013 snail mail at 2012 prices, people can buy Forever stamps prior to the price change taking place.
Dairy Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipates that dairy prices will grow by as much as 4.5% this year, primarily because of the results of the continuing drought.
If for example the projection holds, the average price of a gallon of milk would increase to $3.81 from the present nationwide average of around $3.65. Some other dairy foods, such as eggs and cheese, are expected to see comparable increases.
Meat Products
From burgers to bacon, the majority of Americans’ beloved meat products are likely to cost around 3% to 4% more this year.
The more expensive meat costs are related to the historic drought which slammed most of America’s farmlands this year, resulting in the cost of corn to go through the roof. When the cost of feed rose, many farmers minimized their livestock inventory, resulting in a meat supply crunch.