Not everything has been hit by inflation

Contrary to what you may have heard in the media, not everything in this country has been hit by rising prices. Yes, inflation is a problem that has burdened a lot of us and has affected the prices of a lot of things that we buy. But believe it or not, some things have seen price decreases (no, not just real estate) and you might be able to find yourself a bargain!

Here's an easy rule of thumb about the products have decreased in price: Retail items that aren't necessities are prime targets for bargain hunters. The retail world has felt the economic impact of the economy and sales are down. Plenty of stores have reduced the prices of "extras" to get consumers buying again.

On the list of products with price decreases: electronics like cameras and flat-panel televisions, desktop computers, women's clothing, toys, and household goods like kitchen items. Also on the list are service businesses like hotels, which are feeling the pinch of slightly decreased business travel. Theme parks are offering plenty of deals too, as the operators realize that taking the whole family just might not be in the budget this summer.

Don't run out and spend all your money just because of some deals like this. But if you already planned on getting some of these items this summer, have fun knowing you're saving a bit extra, thanks to the shaky economy.

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.