COVID-19 has definitely increased prices and spending habits in 2020.
While we cooked at home, distant vacations and even trips to the local movie theater were replaced by backyards and Netflix watching. We spent record amounts in the supermarket and spent less at restaurants and bars.
As we say goodbye to the year, experts suggest that in 2021 we will continue to pay high prices for some goods and services.
Here’s a look at everything from groceries to streaming services and cars.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Pennsylvania Turnpike toll is going to rise again.
Those driving at high speed will expect to pay more in 2021, and those without E-ZPass will pay significantly more. This is the 13th consecutive year for a price increase in the turn.
In July, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission approved a 45 percent increase for drivers of “Toll by Plate” at toll facilities that were converted to All-Electronic Tolling in June. There are a handful of toll booths that were already cash free; these places will see only a 6 percent increase for toll drivers through signs.
The commission systematically approved a 6 percent toll increase for all E-ZPass rates.
The commission says the most common toll for a passenger vehicle rises from $ 1.50 to $ 1.60 for E-ZPass customers and from $ 2.50 to $ 3.90.
The new tariffs will take effect on 3 January.
DirectTV
AT&T raises prices for Direct TV and U-verse TV services for the first year. As of January 17, the majority of DirecTV customers pay $ 5 to $ 9 each month, depending on the plan, according to Consumer Reports.
Comcast
The largest cable industry in the country is also raising prices for cable TV and internet service from 1 January. It also increases the additional fee, according to Consumer Reports. Although Comcast’s prices vary by market, Consumer Reports says that the price of its Choice TV plan will increase by about $ 5 per month, from $ 25 to $ 30.
Medicare
As in most years, the adjustment of Medicare costs begins on January 1st. The increase in premiums and own costs for most beneficiaries – most 65 years and older – is modest. From 2021, the standard monthly premium component B will be $ 148.50, compared to $ 144.60 in 2020.
Home Improvement Projects
As a result of the pandemic, the supply of materials such as wood has been disrupted, causing prices to skyrocket. This means higher prices for home improvement projects, whether a new fence or deck or remodeling project.
The National Association of Home Builders has more than doubled prices for wood from less than $ 400 in January to more than $ 900 in September. Prices fell in October, but remain higher than a year ago.
Broker Joy Daniels, owner of Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, on a Shiremanstown property she listed for $ 190,000. The house is under contract and was sold after receiving it three times during the three days on the market. 11 December 2020. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
Houses
A shortage of housing coupled with strong demand and low mortgage rates has created a booming real estate market. But for those who want to buy, it is going to cost you more.
According to the Associated Press, prices rose 7.9% in October compared to 12 months ago, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city house price index.
According to Realtor.com, the Harrisburg market is ranked among the top 10 markets, where prices are expected to rise by 6.9%, while sales are expected to rise by 13.1% compared to 2019.
This is significantly higher than the national forecast of 5.7% price increase and 7% sales growth.
Groceries
After a year of rising grocery prices related to the pandemic, prices are expected to rise only slightly in the new year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that prices of food purchased at stores such as groceries and supermarkets are likely to rise between 1 and 2%.
Coffee
At the moment, coffee prices are equal, mostly because demand is down at coffee shops due to the pandemic and more people working from home. But eventually, when the virus disappears, coffee drinkers will return to old habits, which can lend themselves to an increase. However, according to Forbes, the weather in key growth areas such as Brazil and Vietnam could have a greater impact on prices in 2021 and increase prices, as it was raining in Vietnam and too dry in southern Brazil.
Used cars
Used cars are considered a favorite by penny pinchers. But while you may still get a deal, you pay more for the set of wheels than you did a year ago. This is because temporary shutdowns of manufacturing new cars early in the pandemic drove buyers to a second-hand garage. On top of that, commuters want an affordable option. According to iSeeCars.com, a car search engine, the average price increase for used cars is 9.5 percent or $ 2,193 compared to 2019.
Disney +
Disney + is launching loads of new content in the new year, but it’s going to cost you more. A subscription increases from March 2021 by $ 1 to $ 7.99 per month, and $ 79.99 for an annual subscription.
US postage
Some U.S. postal service prices will rise from January 24th. While the cost of a first-class seal will remain at 55 cents forever, the following changes include:
- The additional us price from one piece of letter will increase 5 cents from 15 cents to 20 cents
- The cost for 1 gram per item will increase from 50 cents to 51 cents
- Postage will increase from 35 cents to 36 cents
- The $ 1 price for a single piece of mail is only unchanged.