Just the Basics

I know that my spending habits have changed in the last couple of years. Yours probably have, too. The changes are due to things like lower pay, job cuts, and rougher times in general. We all need the economy to recover and getting out there and spending some money would certainly help turn things around, but few people can afford to do that at this point. We are basically just spending money on the essentials these days, and even that spending has changed somewhat.

Where is the Money being Spent?

A recent article from U.S.News site, market research is showing some definite trends in how and where Americans are spending their hard earned money. One noticeable shift is in the amount of debt that most of us are willing to carry at this point. Prior to the recession, people were more apt to buy on credit, and buy expensive things that weren’t essential. Consumers are sticking more to the basics and paying more in cash than previously, and some still get short term loans if absolutely necessary.

Thinking Outside the Box

Tough times often inspire more creativity. People don’t want to completely forego all pleasures in life. Dinner out with friends, family trips, expensive coffee treats, and home renovations are all things that get reassessed with a more frugal lifestyle. Putting on a potlucks at friends’ homes can replace jaunts to restaurants. Camping, or going to local attractions can sub for big family vacations. Buying high quality coffee beans, grinder, and a milk frother can allow you to create specialty coffee at home. Keeping up with basic upgrades and repairs to your home can save you a lot of money.

Labels No Longer Matter

There was a time when name brand products were king. This way of thinking has all but disappeared in recent years. Particularly when it comes to food items, many people have turned to no name and store brand products instead of the pricier name brands. There are many great-quality products in this category, some of which are even made in the same factories, right alongside the name brand products. Many consumers are finding that saving a few cents on each item really adds up and, with the quality being surprisingly good, they will continue to buy the lesser known brands in the future.

Removing the Temptation

Another finding is that consumers are spending far less time casually browsing stores. They now tend to go to the stores only when there is something they truly need. Similarly, if there’s a larger item you need, like furniture or appliances, you can find used ones for cheap online or in the classifieds section of the newspaper. On the other hand, if you have things you don’t need anymore, you could make some extra cash by selling them and you declutter your home as well.

A Little Extra Help

We are all doing what we can to save money and get by from one payday to the next. Unfortunately, unexpected expenses occur between paydays. In these instances you may want to consider a payday or installment loan. They are both easy and quick to apply for online, and can get you a great temporary buffer against rough patches.

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