With so many people losing jobs and investment portfolios taking a hit, consumers are being more thoughtful with purchases.
We were curious about which "extras" you are eliminating during this recession?
Makeup (lipstick, mascara etc.) (52.0%)
Snacks (50.0%)
Movie Tickets (20.4%)
Treats for my kids (47.3%)
Dinner Out (45.6%)
Gifts for Others (39.8%)
Magazines (22.2%)
I never leave home without my makeup. I would skip going out for dinner if I had to chose. But my husband and I enjoy cooking at home and only eat out once in awhile. It is a treat we only do two maybe three times a month.
I can't live without my make up for sure. I consider magazines a splurge so when I buy one I really enjoy it. I can't do without my occasional magazine I buy just for me. Especially gardening ones during winter. I can plan my Spring and Summer gardens during the grey weather in Ohio and the bright pictures make me feel peaceful and cheery.
I still go out to dinner occasionaly and can't live without having a snack or two in the house :)
I subscribe to the magazines I enjoy reading - it's cheaper that way. We do love going out to dinner but try to use coupons when we do.
I really haven't cut back too much on anything. I have never spent a lot of money on myself. Its just mostly on my daughter. She's still young so she doesn't realize that her upcoming Summer wardrobe is a bit smaller than last year.
I used to LOVE to go to the movies, but now I only go once every 6 months it seems like now. But I have Netflix, so that helps.
I still purchase snacks and treats for my family; but I have also tried clipping coupons to help the dollars stretch further. I have also stopped buying the more expensive brands of makeup and facial cleansers and have found some nice quality brands I can purchase for under $10. I also save my makeup for certain days of the week and have not been wearing it when I am going to be home. That way it lasts longer.
My son, husband and myself still like to go to the movies, I don't like paying the regular price of $10.00 a piece so we would try and go on saturday or sunday morning when it is only $6.00 a ticket. If We can't get to a movie during that time we would usually wait untill the next weekend., this way we can still save some money and enjoy ourself at the same time.
I dont like to make the kids feel uncomfortable about MY spending, they shouldn't have to worry about household finances, in my opinion, so I do take them to dinner once in a while just to let them know everything is okay, even in this economy, WE WILL SURVIVE!
We have always lived within our means. I look for ways to cut cost everyday so I can still enjoy makeup, eating out once in awhile, a favorite magazine.