13 things that will be cheaper in 2014

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | January 13, 2014 | Louis Ramirez

[2ndDivisionVet]

Although you might have been disappointed to see that things like milk are destined to be more expensive this year, there's still good financial news on the horizon! Analysts predict certain products will see significant price cuts in the coming months. From 4K TVs to used cars, we've rounded up a list of items you can expect to spend less on this year.

1. 3D Printers

2014 will be the year 3D printing goes mainstream. Key patents on the technology are set to expire in February, which will open the market to competition. As a result, these once-prohibitively expensive machines will see significant price drops. We've already seen a fully-funded KickStarter for a $100 3D printer, so there's no telling how cheap devices can get, but more competition, expired patents, and widespread acceptance of the technology all mean that it's time to give the third dimension a try.

2. 4K HDTVs

CES is officially over, but for 4K TVs (aka, Ultra HD TVs), the ride is just beginning. Unlike 3D TVs, which took forever to drop in price and had little to no content at launch, manufacturers are making an aggressive push for 4K TVs. Seiki led the price-cutting charge in 2013 and other off-brand manufacturers will soon join the party. Even Netflix has announced plans to stream its Emmy-winning show House of Cards in 4K (on select 4K TVs). The average household may not be able to afford (or want) a 4K TV, but for early adopters, expect the prices to tumble as the year progresses.

3. Gold

Though the precious metal soared in the wake of the financial crisis, gold will suffer a "significant decline" in the new year, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs....

[maddog55]

I’m thinking buying off elected officials will be much cheaper.

[gattaca]

I love Aldi’s. Shop there all the time. They own Trader Joe’s.

[ops33]

Man, I sure wish Mr. Bates finds out what happened to Anna and beats that snotty rapist to death.

Actually, I feel sorry for the actors that have left the show like Matthew and O’Brian. Downtown Abbey is one of the most widely watched, and profitable, shows in the world. Not a very good thing to be written out of that money making gig.

[Yardstick]

National average is around $3.70/gal so that’s good.

I bought a bag of those very corn chips you mention the last time I was in there. I thought they were a little saltier and had a slightly different flavor from Fritos, but still very close and just as good. Sitting right next to them were 24 oz. jars of “Casa Mamita” salsa that tastes right on par with Pace to me for $1.69.

[Yardstick]

Yeah, I was surprised to learn Aldi was related to Trader Joe's in a recent article on FR. I've been shopping at Aldis for the past month and I know it sounds crazy but I've actually found it to be fun. Fun because it feels like beating the system. The cashier will say the total and I will almost be startled by how low it is. It was my cheapskate dad who turned me on to Aldi. The first time I went in there I was unimpressed to say the least, but it is quickly winning me over. Everywhere you turn there's a screaming deal, and the food is of excellent quality. What you trade is selection, but that's okay.

[kaehurowing]

I guess I am just tired of getting jerked around by these plot lines. Anna is one of the very few truly good and decent characters on that show. The guy deserves a good American lynching, but of course that won’t happen.