Economic Collapse-R-Us: 22 Lifestyle Changes of Middle Class America
Consumerism shmoozerism. I’m saving every cent I can.
And, in “Recession World-2009”, so is most of middle class America. The economic collapse has reduced a lavish “charge it and live beyond our means” lifestyle to hot dogs and beans.
Many of us still working have one foot in the unemployment line. And those of us with secure jobs…well… we can’t quite believe they’re secure, so we’re saving, anyway.
Here’s some of the latest American trends caused by the recession.
What people are doing more of-
1) Eating Pasta.
There’s been a 5% rise in pasta purchases from 2007 to 2008.
2) Drinking alcohol at home.
We’ve also seen a 10% rise in liquor store sales, and it’s not the expensive stuff.
3) Saving.
We’re socking it away for that potential rainy day.
4) Watching for deals.
We’re eagle eying sales, rebates, and coupons.
5) Shopping at Walmart and Target.
Sales are down for both stores, but they’re still doing better than the Neiman Marcuses of the world.
6) Buying more used items.
Used appliances, clothing, and furniture are in.
7) Reusing it, selling it, recycle it, or giving it away.
8) Eating at McDonalds.
Just look at their earnings and stock price.
9) Going to state colleges instead of more expensive private colleges.
10) Turning down the heat and shutting off the lights.
11) Going to the library.
12) Abusing each other.
This is a sad one – domestic violence is up, especially in areas with high unemployment.
What people are doing less of-
1) Going out on the town.
Instead, we’re doing more of:
a) watching TV or getting a movie from the library – versus going to the movies or a club.
b) watching the local team on TV with nachos and a 6-pack – versus springing for game tickets.
c) having sex!
2) Buying big ticket items.
Automobile and boat sales are down. So are other large items like new appliances and furniture.
3) Getting our hair or nails done, going to the spa, or getting a massage.
Personal luxuries are out.
4) Having our house cleaned or our lawn mowed.
5) Using charge cards.
6) Buying organic food.
Let’s see: apples for 99 cents a pound or organic apples for $2.99 a pound?
7) Paying bills on time.
Defaults and bankruptcies are up.
9) Making donations.
10) Taking financial risks.
Any you’d like to add?
Photo credit: PicApp.
Lisa: I know a woman who cleans houses for a living and she told me that since March of last year, she has lost 12 clients… the reason: job loss. This is one of the first luxuries to go in hard times! Thanks for pulling the list together.
Lisa, I’m pro-sex in good economic times and bad. :^)
As for saving money, I’m frequenting the local library instead of the used bookstore. We cut off cable and rely on Netflix instead. And when my cell phone contract expires in April, I’m cutting it off and keeping a prepaid go phone in the car for emergency purposes only.
Some changes in my household:
We watch our favorite shows over the internet instead of paying for cable/netflix; Got a prepaid cellphone instead of contract phone; Public library for magazines, music, movies, books.
Waiting 24 hours before buying something so we are sure it is a “need”, not a “want” item!
I think I have always done a lot of what is on the list and I think this is true for a lot of people who are “naturally frugal”.
I still have to ad that while cutting back might be smart, investing in something that pays dividends – YOU is still the best move you could make. There truly is an ROI in personal development and self-care and I don’t just mean a fluffy feel-good ROI either. I wrote about that a bit yesterday: http://tinyurl.com/bwjjf4 Much like the businesses that thrive at this time are those that continue to invest in their marketing….the people who succeed best will be those that continue to invest in themselves. Worth thinking about what is and is not a luxury…