Watch your credit card statements and keep your computers and smart phones up to date.

Banks, and other businesses are working new strategies to get, keep, and profit from your business in the new year.

On top of the list are higher credit card costs. With new restrictions on rate increases set to take effect in February, credit card issuers are finding other ways to make money.

Look for new card fees. Look for existing fees to go up. More variable interest rates will replace fixed interest rates and your card rewards are likely to be reduced or modified.

As for the top shopping trends, you'll find many of the clues in your local grocery store.

Consumer research specialist Mintel International says consumers will continue to eat at home to save money and the trend is producing more advanced cooks shopping for interesting ingredients such as food-grade rose water.

Thanks to the growing popularity of Mediterranean cooking, Mintel predicts rose water will be one of the top flavors of 2010, along with cardamom, a traditional eastern spice, and hibiscus, which is known to help lower blood pressure.

Produce managers are boosting supplies of sweet potatoes, which are increasing in demand for their high content of vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Look for sweet potatoes in more prepared foods and snacks.

And look for greener cleaning products as more consumers demand cleaning supplies without toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances.

"I think people are becoming more aware of synthetic fragrances and what they might have in them," said Wendy McClain of PCC Natural Markets.

You can also expect changes in packaging. Cleaner labels with more clear information, color-coding so it's easier to find things, and many more local options are showcased.

Mintel predicts 2010 will also be a year for reduced sodium in processed foods, more private-label brands, which have really caught on because of the economy, and "boutique" packaging for boring products like soap and juice to make the mundane seem more special.

In the technology category, trend watchers say this will be a big year for instant customer reviews as consumers share feedback on products and services.

Also big in 2010 will be tracking and alerting services to provide continual updates on recalls, restaurant specials, mobile food cart locations, fuel prices and just about anything else you'd want to track.