Do Americans waste money on frivilous spending?... Do you shop wisely ?

Question

Some types of extravagant spending:

1...Extravagant weddings: Americans now spend an average of $30,000 on getting married and the more affluent often shell out six figures.

2.,,“Premium” coffee-to-go: It’s okay to treat yourself occasionally to take-out coffee; it certainly tastes better than most home or office brew. But twentysomethings buy $3 java drinks.

3...Expensive option packages on new cars: Thanks to all-too-easy credit, our average-priced new car now sells for almost $30,000.

4...Cigarettes: We puffed away $88 billion worth of tobacco products in the U.S. last year, and people in New York City now fork out $7 for a pack of smokes.

5...Fuel-inefficient vehicles: In the mid-1980s, we all questioned the sanity of people still driving gas guzzlers – and now most of us are spending $40 to $60 a pop filling up our own.

6...Christmas shopping: It’s not what we blow on holiday gifts -- $450 billion last year -- but how thoughtlessly we spend much of that sum that’s become a colossal waste.

Answer 1

Why, yes, many of us in America do. I may be a little biased in saying that we in Hawaii tend to be a somewhat cheaper than the others. But I think my relatives from California are on the extravagant side, just by observing them. To others on the mainland, it's perfectly normal.
Me? You probably don't want to know what I'd do to save $20. But of course my allowance is $5 a month with no other source of income. But since I can't even spend besides in my academy, I don't ask for it anymore.

I'd take the bus, find the cheapest place to rent that I care for, even if it means packing a switchblade for protection, drink the office coffee, buy things in bulk, and keep the costs low. I'll have to ask one of my friends how he makes it while working at Safeway.
However, I still reserve the right to use tobacco. In Hawaii, it's 4.75 a pack. I may not be using cigarettes, but I'll pipes instead. And I want to sit up and smoke in bed while reading.

I'll try to keep Christmas spending down as much as possible. I've been pretty good at it. You go to a little shop and find a little something exotic -and please, not made in China.

Living as a cheapskate, you may soon get to know some of the tricks for saving money. My reason for saving? I guess so I can blow it on bigger things, or invest so I can finance certain trips...
and no, it's not to Los Vegas with all the other Hawaiians.

Drat! There's the charity thing....maybe I'll get a bird from the humane society, and volunteer a few hours a month....They say that in Hawaii, some of the people taking free food are not actually homeless folks, but people on the borderline.

Answer 2

I have to agree that our great nation is a national of excess.some people spend way too much of some frivolous things ;however we want the best for our families.
But the beauty of it is that we as Americans are allowed to make the choice how or personal money is spent.
America is a prosperous and industrious country.God has blessed this country ;I think because of our generosity and support to our nations.
I am quite good at managing money.I know how to get the most "bang for my buck".I use generic prescriptions when they available.I shop discount stores for bargains but also shop for quality.I learned that an expensive wedding and reception does not guarantee marriage that will last.I shop sales for items I need.and sometimes I treat myself to something special
.
We could all use a refresher course in economics!

Answer 3

You must discover a technique to generate profits, reminiscent of little one-sitting and come to a decision a particular quantity you desire to spend, and ONLY deliver that quantity with you in any other case you'll be forced to spend. Instead of shopping that costly purse, retailer the notion and ask for it for a excursion, or birthday. Think, with that money you might purchase 10 inexpensive purses.

Answer 4

In general we do spend frivilously. All of us do on certain things. I agree that some people do waste money on things that are not needed or that they discard shortly after purchasing it.
Some of us are not in a position to afford most of the things you listed and have to be quite frugal. Others should be and aren't. I don't think most people even think about frivilous spending because the don't believe they are doing it.
Interesting question

Answer 5

You must be able to generate income, corresponding to youngster-sitting and come to a decision a designated amount you wish to have to spend, and best carry that quantity with you or else you will be compelled to spend. Alternatively of buying that costly purse, retailer the notion and ask for it for a vacation, or birthday. Suppose, with that cash you might purchase 10 cheaper purses.

Answer 6

Shopping wisely means get the best bang for your buck, but if you have money to burn, thats another game. $30,000 to you might not be as much in emotional value to Bill Gates. So He will have a million dollar wedding for his kids and think is is wisely spend....it is all relative. If you don't have the money well...then it is spend frivoulously...maybe? or maybe not...because now you have the bragging right....

Answer 7

who cares if we have the money to spend, then why not spend it on what we want?? And as for the gas thing, if people want to keep working then they kinda have to have a way to get there. not everyone can ride the bus.

Answer 8

Different strokes for different folks..
If you can afford it and you want it then buy it..
It is no ones business but your own...