Do People Forget There's a Recession???

[QM]

Is it just me or do you ever look around and wonder if people forget there's a recession going on? I know it's two days before Christmas and people are in the "buy, buy, buy" spirit, but do you sometimes wonder why people are buying junk and stuff they don't need?

Maybe it's because I've started a more frugal lifestyle mid-October, but while I was in Best Buy yesterday I felt sick to my stomach. Noise, stuff and people scurrying around buying gadgets that I'm sure they won't use more than a handful of times. Ugh!

I can say what I'm saying because I sometimes look at DH and wonder the same thing! I pray he doesn't lose his job because of the recession, but why aren't people being more conscientious about the stuff they're buying?

[VanVivCam]

I personally think it is wonderful that people are still able to buy for Christmas. I know the news LOVES to paint nothing but doom and gloom, but here in Lexington, things aren't as bad as other places. I was able to purchase gifts for all my family...I didn't go out and spend a ton of money, but I did spend.

[homesteadmamma]

I wonder the same thing too. I think they are buying because there are so many good sales. Later they will probably regret it. I watched CBC news last night and a lady had taken everything she had bought back ($60) and then bought something for $16.00. Remember the recession has only just hit Canada, not like in the States where it's been going on for awhile. Also not everyone practices the frugal lifestyle.

[QM]

...Remember the recession has only just hit Canada, not like in the States where it's been going on for awhile. Also not everyone practices the frugal lifestyle.

I know. I have to keep reminding myself that some people like racking up their credit cards and line of credits and going into debt. It's a way of living, and I'm sure very hard to change.

I also wish DH could be more frugal. (He'd be flabergasted if he knew I was writing about him...lol!) When he woke up this morning, I told him that I made a pot of coffee. What was his response?..."That's nice." Why does he insist on buying Timmies coffee when our coffee is already paid for and much, much cheaper?

[homesteadmamma]

I also wish DH could be more frugal. (He'd be flabergasted if he knew I was writing about him...lol!) When he woke up this morning, I told him that I made a pot of coffee. What was his response?..."That's nice." Why does he insist on buying Timmies coffee when our coffee is already paid for and much, much cheaper?

Just give him time, he will come along side of you if you don't nag him about it. Continue to do what you're doing, show him the results and then let it go. Sometimes it's wise to not say anything, just let them see your actions instead. I learnt a long time ago, actions do speak louder than words. When we were in debt I showed dh every month how much it was coming down. Now, dh is more frugal than I am. He started to see what was happening and jumped on the frugal wagon. It was so much easier.

[melodys]

Yes, there is a recession and shopping is good. These days I am being reasonable, but not especially frugal. I have a good fairly secure job, have been blessed with a reasonable amount of properity, money in the bank, and I know that buying the things I need will help the economy.

Overall I have simplifed my life greatly over the past two years, so I do spend less than I used to. However I will not cut my budget down to the bare bones. I try to buy American/local products for things that I will use. In addition, this year my charitable donations are up.

To my way of thinking this is goodness. I am sharing the financial blessings that I have been given to do my part to keep the economy going.

[Denvergirlie]

You should try to remember that not everyone is hurting financially in this recession.
We are a few of those people out there shopping and we have more than enough money in the bank. If I use my credit card it's not because I can't afford to pay cash for it, but that I make that choice because I get rewards back for doing so.
Yes, there are many people that are overspending but not everyone is in that poistion.
I try so much harder not to judge people at face value. I saw a lady a few months back with a cart full of snack food, soda, chips, cookies and other junk. She looked "lower class" and the first thought in my mind was she was going to pay for all of this junk with foodstamps.... turns out I was able to overhear her conversation with the cashier, it was for a kids party at the community center.
My neighbors are going to Peru for the new years, they just bought a house and have two new cars, just starting out youngish couple. My first thought was "Wow, they are really going to over extend themselves" but they saved cash for the trip and aside from the mortage are debt free.

I am far from perfect with not judging people, but am trying to be more aware when these negative thoughts come into my mind.

[C@rol]

It is true that a lot of people still can afford to shop the way that they please. They have that type of income or financial independence.

But there are still some people who are so frustrated by the economy crisis that they say "what the heck, I owe anyway" and still shop like they have money to pay it off when the bills come. If you ask them about it they just say I don't want my children/family to be disappointed.

Even commentators on the news have
commented on the long lines outside of stores.
You would never know the economy was in
trouble.

But other posters are right. We should not judge
just by appearances.

[phoeny_moonstar]

Ithink the reason people are in more of a buy,buy,buy spirit this holiday season is because they know their lines of credit and credit cards are not going to work for very much longer... KWIM?

[rainbowgc]

I have been out there buying, but only because this is a great time to buy needed items at great discounts. I did all my Christmas shopping throughout the year at 75-90% off.

[madhen]

If you think it is crazy now, wait until the AFTER Christmas sales hit!!

I have purchased more than I intended this Christmas, but none of it has been with credit cards. I know you could argue that I could take that cash and apply it to one of the cards I am still paying off, but I, too, am taking advantage of the fact that the stores are hurting and are offering pretty deep discounts to get the stuff off their shelves. For example, I bought a centerpiece for my diningroom table - normally $35 and I got it for $7. So I did spend more on decorations, but they are all decorations that I can put away and use for years to come.

A lot of the spending I've done recently has been for presents for others. So I don't know how much I can judge someone buying something I consider frivolous. Maybe it is a present for someone who is having a hard time right now, and the buyer wants to give them something they really wanted, regardless of how practical it might be. Or something pretty to remind them that they are special.

It is ironic, though, that we (as a nation) are in this mess because of our debts, but that the nation is also dependent on us (as a people) to spend to get OUT of this mess!!

[Patty A]

I also catch myself making judgements......and I have no right to do so. I love the example above over the cart full of goodies and thinking that this lady was filling a cart full of wasteful snacks. Then to hear that it was for a party! I guess it proves we are all likely to jump to what "we" feel is the right or wrong way of doing things and not thinking about what "reasons" someone might be doing this for. I seen a cart full of toys the other day, and to make a long story short it was a "sub-for-Santa" group that was shopping for kids that wouldn't have a Christmas without them. So I know for certain that I for one need to watch was I do, and NOT pay so much attention to what others have in their shopping carts. It really comes down to NOT knowing what others have, do, or how they do it. You never know what the reason are, and you shouldn't jump to conclusions like I did. This is something I plan on working on, I don't want my life style to cause me to look at other though clouded eyes.

[McD]

I think a lot of people forget that the recession hasn't effected everyone. The media makes it sound as if financial problems are running widespread throughout the country, as if everyone is struggling to make ends meet, and that's not the case.

[AmyMCGS]

You should try to remember that not everyone is hurting financially in this recession.
We are a few of those people out there shopping and we have more than enough money in the bank. If I use my credit card it's not because I can't afford to pay cash for it, but that I make that choice because I get rewards back for doing so.
Yes, there are many people that are overspending but not everyone is in that poistion.
I try so much harder not to judge people at face value. .

Well said!

Same here on the credit cards- we pay in plastic for everything, earn rewards, and then pay them off. Works well for us.

My DH and I both are blessed with stable jobs, and we have a nice house. We work hard and pay our own bills. It drives me absolutely insane when family members make snide little remarks (in real life- not here) about the bills/debt we must have. No, we don't... we are responsible and manage our finances.

You can't assume anything by watching what people purchase. You'd see my DH looking like a kid in a candy store at Best Buy. He LOVES movies and electronic gizmos... and trust me, anything he buys is well used. He's joined their rewards program and earns coupons and discounts, and he is thrilled if someone gifts him with a gift card to that store. He only goes once every couple of months. But, I suppose if you didn't know him, you'd see a guy buying a bunch of stuff with plastic and assume he was wasting money.

[tbs727]

If you think it is crazy now, wait until the AFTER Christmas sales hit!!

Yes! This is what I'm saving my money for!