Search Results for: blog reasons we spend today social and economic cues

Can’t Afford Your Second (or more) Baby? Here is What Some Analysts Say

Here is just another thing that the economy affects: how many babies are born and maybe even why. Many people today are deciding to delay having another baby because of a tough economy. Some feel that they can’t afford another child. In fact, after each depression or recession in U.S. history, birth rates, that is fertility rates have gone down. Sometimes these new rates become the normal. Previous to the Great Depression, for example, the average number of children per woman was three. After the Great Depression, it dropped to two, a number that is usually more “acceptable” for families … Continue reading →

Experiential Gifts Are Popular and Frugal

With everyone feeling the pinch of the economy, a new trend has been arising in holiday gift giving. They are called experimental gifts, and they don’t have to cost much at all. One thing that is true with the economy is that people are cutting back everywhere, especially on entertainment. As a result, gifts that have some sort of entertainment value, especially gifts that might be able to be used to get the recipient out and about are usually very welcome. Even kids will appreciate getting an experiential gift related to one of their interests. Here are some ideas for … Continue reading →

Budget Friendly Home Stores

In this economy shopping for your home should be approached with caution. It is easy to spend quite a bit when you purchase things for you home. Aside from a buy nothing policy which isn’t very practical, especially when the roof leaks or your kitchen chair breaks, what can you do? I’ve found that even in a tough economy, there are stores out there that are very budget friendly. They will help you out without breaking a budget. I’m not getting paid by any of these stores for recommending them (It would be nice if I were), so this is … Continue reading →

Is It Too Early?

Somethings are just too embarrassing to admit. Okay, so most of us have been there before. We’ve waited and wondered if it was the right time, or if we should just wait for a few more weeks. But some things happen even when you don’t expect them too. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised at it happening. After all, everything around me seems to be screaming out to me that it is the right time now. Every time I go into a store, for example, I feel as though I am surrounded with Christmas decorations, trees, and even music. … Continue reading →

Is Shopping at Wal-Mart Frugal?

Wal-Mart has the image of being a store where there are “always low prices,” but is it really frugal to shop there? In general, I have to say no. Here are my reasons and how you can get around a Wal-Mart policy that could cost you an extra 25 percent. Low Prices When They Want Sure, Wal-Mart does advertise some low prices on hot items. But you need to shop smart. There are two things that can go wrong. The first is the fact Wal-mart may be misleading when it comes to these hot prices. They may only be available … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review: March 3rd Through March 9th

Do you know why it is so much easier to spend today than it was a few years ago? If not, you’ll want to read through last week’s articles. We have also covered a lot of new ideas, from reusing items to creating frugal meals for your family. March 3rd Whole Turkey Versus Turkey Breasts: Cost Comparison In an article from last week, I talked about the great value of a whole turkey. One question that came up was about buying turkey breasts instead, for a family that won’t eat the dark meat. So, I thought I would do a … Continue reading →

Reasons We Spend Today: Social and Economic Cues

Consumers spend more today in our daily living than they did just a few short years ago. There has been a shift in priorities related to saving and spending money, making it harder than ever to be frugal and out of debt. We have been talking about some of the reasons that we spend more today. If you missed those earlier articles in this series, you can read them here: Reasons We Spend Today: Availability and Reasons We Spend Today: Buying Power. Now we will look at one of the bigger reasons that we spend today: our social and economic … Continue reading →