Frugality is making a BIG comeback. To which Other Kinds of Answers, i.e. Looking at every option, cost and way should become the norm. Fearful that economic conditions could get worse and stay that way, Americans are showing an enthusiasm for thriftiness not seen in decades.
This behavioral shift isn't simply about spending less money. The New Frugality emphasizes stretching every dollar to the max. It means bypassing the fashion mall for the discount chain store, buying secondhand clothes and furniture, or trading down to store brands.
There's more business for repairmen of the old and less for salesmen of the new. Consumers are clipping more coupons and swiping their credit cards less. It may even mean a come back of using cash on hand only.
Consumer experts say it's difficult to predict how long the pullback will last, particularly among generations of consumers that have never in their lifetime seen such a sharp economic downturn.
While I have lived thru times like this a couple of times before now, I can only hope that the entire scope of the problem will not keep everyone from trying to find the Other Kinds Of Answers...
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