Spending has started to increase since the new year began, a trend that has infused the Internet with market trend analysis and prediction logarithms.  What is expected in the coming year?

At www.huntingtonforschools.com students drag school supplies electronically into a virtual backpack to see the total cost add up. The online feature is the latest component of the annual Huntington Backpack Index, a reference for smart shopping that can help teach children about budgeting and bargains. The 2008 Huntington Backpack Index indicates that parents need to be prepared to spend $385 for elementary school children, $551.81 for middle school children and $911 for high school students. Huntington also found that many schools are requiring more electronic devices such as flash drives as well as more elaborate organization tools such as notebooks and planners.

Bank of America recently offered some discounts on shopping at the Bank of America Mall™: * Special offers from retailers such as Target.com, BestBuy.com, Macys.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and PetSmart.com * Once you register you’ll have access to these special offers To get access you must: * Have a Bank of America checking account with a check card OR a Bank of America credit card account and, * Be enrolled in Free Online Banking service Learn more about this offer click here