Thrift is the Latest Vogue- Getting Back to Basics

People are Giving up Luxuries to Survive in a Hurting Economy

I’m not sure about everyone else- but the economy’s recent plunge has definitely changed my values. I’m a twenty-something, recently married, new home owner. In other words- I am fairly broke most of the time.

And while the recession has definitely taken a toll on our household, I must admit I am finding some solace in one important change that has been occurring in households all across America: People, including me,  are learning to do without some of the unnecessary  luxuries that have gained commodity status over the past few decades.  In other words- we’re getting back to basics.

Talking with friends and family over the past few months there does not seem to be anyone I know who isn’t changing their spending habits in order to deal with loss of wages and/or mortgage interest spikes.  One of my close friends recently sold his car and now rides his bike to work. My cousin cancelled her expensive cell phone service and bought a cheap-o version which allows her to  pay for minutes as she uses them.  My husband and I plan our meals every week and refuse to spend a penny eating out.

Obviously, all of these changes may seem drastic in the eyes of the sacrificer, however, the response I’m getting from people hints at relief.  Maybe our societal values are shifting? Sure, a fancy cell  phone is nice- but if paying the $200 bill every month makes your stomach turn- the down-grade may just be a bit of relief. And while it takes my friend a little longer to get where he needs to go on his bike everyday- he reports that he has happily lost an unwanted 5 lbs since starting his new mode of transportation last month.

The truth is, underneath all the muck and gloom on the news about the recession- there may just be a silver lining around this cloud.  Whenever the economy finally does begin to stabilize- will we come out as more financially responsible individuals? 

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