If the economy needs me to start spending, we're in trouble.

[cschin4]

So if the economy needs me, I'm very sorry but I won't be helping much at all.

Me too. I no longer buy stuff just for the sake of buying something. Gag gifts are a waste and nobody needs another candle, chia pet or any of that. So, I only buy for my kids and that's it. If people don't like it, too bad. I am just not going to participate in that nonsense of buying useless junk.

[disneysteve]

Me too. I no longer buy stuff just for the sake of buying something. Gag gifts are a waste and nobody needs another candle, chia pet or any of that. So, I only buy for my kids and that's it. If people don't like it, too bad. I am just not going to participate in that nonsense of buying useless junk.

I agree. We also stopped mailing holiday cards several years ago. I know some people like them, but personally, any cards we receive go straight into the recycling bin. What a waste of time, money and paper.

[cicy33]

I went to walmart today for groceries but did browse the aisles to see what was on sale and the only thing I really noticed in abundance were these green and red totes. There was an ENTIRE aisle devoted to these things. both sides. they were on sale for like a 1 less or 1.50 less. not enough to make me buy! I think if a store were going to stock up in something it would not be totes!

[rob62521]

I agree. We also stopped mailing holiday cards several years ago. I know some people like them, but personally, any cards we receive go straight into the recycling bin. What a waste of time, money and paper.

I can see your point, except...there are some oldstersthat's in a nursing home and her daughter says she loves getting cards, not just holiday ones.

[Daylily]

Okay folks, I'll keep the economy rolling.....

I purchased a new sofa and two recliners the day after Christmas.
(Paid with credit card. Will pay cash when the bill arrives.)
To be fair, this was not part of an after-Christmas sale. We needed new furniture as our existing sofa is 18 years old and has recently been swallowing me whenever I sit in it.

After that we went to a mall in another town and purchased a new coat for DH. I rarely visit this mall but I may return there after work during the week to look for items for me for an upcoming trip.

I also just placed a Land's End order online.

My spending never seems to be in synch with the rest of the world.

[marvholly]

I went out on 12/26 1 hour after the stores had opened just to get some Christmas wrap & tags. Got the wrap but NOTHING else. Shelsves were already nearly empty.

No toy type things were discounted at all. Would have bought ahead for grand kids bdays (3 in March & April).

I have learned that in my area (metro Chicago) clothing, kitchen, bath & appliance type stuff does NOT go on clearance until well after everyone has had a chance to do their returns and use their store credits/gift cards at retail. Not me. I will start shopping about Jan 10 or 15.


The economy isn't going into overdrive on me either.

[jIM_Ohio]

spending is more about consumer confidence than cash in the bank... present company probably excluded...

people will spend if they have confidence in the overall economy, and I think the lack of inventory by the stores is a reflection of that lack of confidence.

Those 750 billion stimulus plans sure worked LOL

[Scanner]

I guess my spending is rather average. . .neither increasing or decreasing . . .with an occasional impulse buy.

I heard the Snuggie market is good, lol.

I have to say though, I went to the Apple Store today in Atlantic City to make a return/exchange (got a Shuffle, want a Nano or Itouch). . .it was mobbed. . .absolutely mobbed.

I may be the lone voice of praise for the current economists but let's take inventory:

1. Americans are spending again, and spending with cash, instead of credit.
2. Americans savings rate is 5-10% (somewhere in there)
3. Holiday sales were good, not stunning, but pretty good from the reports I read.

I think this is a healthy response actually. . .it's not good for the entire economy to be resting on the American consumer. . .I'd like to see it diversified a bit.

[Scanner]

BTW, I saw an internet blurb but didn't get a chance to read it . . .it said something like,

"Now is the time for rational exhuberance." (kinda an oxymoron, lol)

I think that about sums it up. I think in the past, recoveries happened and people went to town. . .I think we kind of learned our lesson for a "generation" of time here (10-13 years).

Slow, steady spending and saving because of increased awareness.

So, DisneySteve, next time go to the mall with a rationally exhuberant mindset, lol. Treat yourself to some extra meat on that chicken wrap, lol.