*anything* in terms of spending habits since all of this has hit[gas prices hitting highs---banks major industries failing] have you personally changed spending habits? I've asked this question on a few forums to get a general view of personal spending in a few different areas. Anything anyone wants to add is fine as well.
I have tightened my belt somewhat. Not because I have noticed a change in my income. In fact the economic downturn may help my business because I run a new media marketing/design company and corporations may start cutting in-house creative staff.
However, I think it is prudent to be ready for whatever may come and I figure spending less now so I have a little more in the bank can't hurt.
oohah
Gas prices are actually shooting down rapidly, which is a relief, but we will see how long that lasts. With classes, I have NO CHOICE but to limit my spending. Everything is so expensive now.
On a sidenote, but related to spending. My class lab book comes in a package that comes with a textbook that you hardly need for the class. You only need the labbook, because for the tests, the professor doesn't ask any questions that he never discussed. Therefore, I review my notes to learn everything. However, that whole damn package costs $180, which is way too expensive for me, and I couldn't get the labbook. I always had to look on with someone else, which I am greatful for. But I finally found a used copy of the labbook on the net for friggin' $25. So I just saved $155 while most of the other people in class got the book in the school bookstore for the full price.
Posted by Allanfan20:
On a sidenote, but related to spending. My class lab book comes in a package that comes with a textbook that you hardly need for the class.
You're still in school? Are you on the 10 year plan?
When I was in school I bought a site that had used books. So you didn't get nailed on the overpriced textbook scam. If I remembered what it was I would tell. But you should search around, check Amazon, etc.
oohah
I have changed my spending habits. for instance I have two cars Honda Civic and Lexus I use the Honda more than the Lexus to save on gas. I eat out less now because everytime I take the wife and kid out it cost me a lot more than before. Gas prices are coming down recently but you never know when they are gonna get jacked up again and winter is just about to start so you can never save enough cash to make sure everything is moving smoothly. Besides I have a restaurant and its been sucking wind with all its increases in food costs and utilites and rent always gets raised business has slowed down a lot and my intake has decreased leading me to make personal changes as well.
Its your patriotic duty to spend your money and feed the economy.
Socialism. Its whats up.
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
Posted by izybx:
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
LOL
Posted by izybx:
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
either that or start eating more of those 5 dollar footlongs at Subway.
Posted by oohah:
Posted by Allanfan20:
On a sidenote, but related to spending. My class lab book comes in a package that comes with a textbook that you hardly need for the class.
You're still in school? Are you on the 10 year plan?
When I was in school I bought a site that had used books. So you didn't get nailed on the overpriced textbook scam. If I remembered what it was I would tell. But you should search around, check Amazon, etc.
oohah
I am gonna start getting used books at Amazon for now on. That's where I got my labbook.
And I'm not on a 10 year plan, but I changed my major a couple of times, from psychology to teaching and now I'm in vet technology, but I find myself about 500X more devoted to this than the others, and I'm a lot happier. Unfortunately, it's only part time though, for the next few years, so I have to decide if I want to drop this and move down to north carolina to go full time (Been contemplating a move down there for quite sometime, anyway) or if I want to take a little bit longer to complete this at the part time level, which gives me less stress. It's basically me deciding whether I'm in a rush or not.
Posted by TMS:
Posted by izybx:
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
either that or start eating more of those 5 dollar footlongs at Subway.
I dont mess with subway or blimpies. They are too grimy with the meat. I like a good old fashion deli hero, with like two inches thick of cold cuts.
No, or not yet.
Im buying more stocks then I have in years Im not calling a bottom here, but there are some real interesting things to buy with dividends.
Im thinking out. Market off 21% THIS MONTH. Further it drops the more I will buy.
Spending is relative. In boom times im pretty conservative so we stay on an even keel through out.
Most important thing is to feel and be safe. Stay liquid but keep your eye on the ball. Like one said companies are looking to save money. Small business does well in this evironment if it provides a solution to a bigger problem. This is the time to step out and start that buisness, invent a new process, or in all take some risk. Not gamble mind you. When things are good people feel they are smart. Bottom line is when times are tough is when you make changes and reap real rewards.
Posted by izybx:
Posted by TMS:
Posted by izybx:
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
either that or start eating more of those 5 dollar footlongs at Subway.
I dont mess with subway or blimpies. They are too grimy with the meat. I like a good old fashion deli hero, with like two inches thick of cold cuts.
*sigh* i miss those... they don't have any good deli's out in LA... damn heathens!
Posted by TMS:
Posted by izybx:
Ive pretty much been on the same plan for years now. I get paid, my old lady takes all of my money and leaves me with enough to eat. I guess if the economy gets worse than Ill have to give up eating.
either that or start eating more of those 5 dollar footlongs at Subway.
Those things are saving my ass right now. Real talk. I mess with the Spicy Italian all day.
I don't care either way. I'm going check to check and living a happy life. I got gas, electric, water, morgage, child support and basic day to day needs that won't go away.......aside from that I have cable, internet and a sidekick lx.......I guess I can cut the cable/internet and get rid of the cell phone, while eating like I'm alergic to nutrition......
Bottom line? I been in economic crisis since I have been alive. Excuse me as I blow $70 on gray goose, etc again this weekend! I'm not sweating it. God is my salvation.
I was never big spender to begin with, so my spending habits hasn't changed much. I might actually spend more money this next couple of months if they are a lot of clearance sales.
Not yet, but I have created two new bank accounts and redistributed my total liquid net worth into them. I am not keeping all my money in one bank any more, dont trust them. Spendingwise I am trying to cut down a bit on discretionary spending and prepay capital on loans a little more than I did all year long.
