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 feel like makeup is alittle pleasure that I really need everyday to preform my job and to accent myself. I do try to buy on sale and with coupons at all possible. But at my age to go without would not benefit me at all.
We read quite a few magazines in our house. To me, if we have a subscription, they are a lot of entertainment for such little money.
If there is a movie we want very much to see, we hit the discounted matinees. Using coupons and sales and stocking up now, more than ever on groceries and other purchases.
I have to say that even though things are tight for us, a snack is a welcome diversion. Actually, I've turned more and more to some of the local dollar stores - that way I can get a few treats and not feel guilty about it.
Wish that things would start looking up,even my teens are wondering when things will look better
I buy my magazine subscriptions from my nieces/nephews school fund-raisers. Usually the subscriptions are cheaper this way & I can read the magazine I enjoy while ingsupport schools at the same time.
We get movies/books from the library..i never seen a need to buy these things when you can borrow it for free...We hardly ever go out to eat unless it involves a coupon...everytime we grocery shop we use at least 20 coupons each time and when a store is tripling that;s even better...that's when we stock up on everything...our clothes/shoes are always bought on clearance for the next season....just go my kids winter coats for next yr at sears for $8 and $10...and i get so many mags subscriptions for free i don't feel a need to pay for them anymore...the money saving blogs always list links to get free mags...startsampling.com also does this alot.
We don't go to the movies much anyways, so we'll just stop it all together
As a housewife, going out to dinner means a lot. It gives me a chance to have a break I dont have to spend all day making dinner and cleaning up and it gives me a chance to get dressed up and feel like a women rather than a messy mommy. My habits have changed with make-up, I don't wear it daily instead I wear it only when I am out and about, but if I am out of something I won't go without it. Awarding your children with treats is a natural way to discipline and reward your children. My daughter gets a snack after school and a treat before bed, she knows if she does poorly at school she isn't allowed a bedtime treat. It teaches her that her actions have consequences.
Definitely have to have my makeup! Other than that my biggest splurge would still be snacks for my hubby.