Survey: Are You Spending More Or Less?

jyl · jyl's Garage

Curious if folks find that they’ve been spending more or less since the pandemic started. On what, and why?

To be clear: I’m not asking if you’re paying higher prices for stuff - this is not a question about inflation. I’m asking if you’ve found yourself buying significantly more, or less, of any major category of items or services, than was normal for you pre-pandemic. And why that is.

For example: I’m paying for a few more streaming services, getting more takeout, less dine-out, way less entertainment, way less on entertaining at home, a little less on travel, more electronic gadgets, more gardening, about the same everything else. I didn’t see the need to buy new appliances, new cars, new TVs, etc. I’m spending more freely on miscellaneous geegaws because all I have to do is click, it’s so convenient. Overall I’m spending a little less, not a big change though.

You?

Evans, Marv · 10-01-2021, 08:19 PM

I've been spending more on paper towels and toilet paper. I've seen pictures of all those container ships off the coast of LA. I don't want to get caught with dirty hands or .........

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

I'm certainly spending less on eating out and entertainment. Haven't been buying much stuff for the house. Spending more on food and quality ingredients to make interesting meals at home. Last year I spent some serious $$$ on home repairs/maintenance. Lately been spending a bunch more for car repairs and maintenance...

daepp · 10-01-2021, 09:06 PM

Maybe not now, but during Newsom's lockdown we were def saving money not going out.

Heel n Toe · 10-01-2021, 09:16 PM

We've been spending more because we're doing Instacart for grocery delivery since the pandemic began, but the house is paid off, so it's not a strain on the budget and we plan to continue because who likes grocery shopping?

We're getting more takeout on the average, too.

Chocaholic · 10-02-2021, 04:28 AM

About the same...perhaps a bit more. Amazon is getting more of our money. We’re in a small town that hasn’t been very affected by COVID. So we still eat out, etc. But I no longer travel for work and really like that.

Sooner or later · 04:48 AM

About the same. I buy nearly everything local. I did splurge on my T6 flight last month.

Those red items are idled Haliburton rigs.

faverymi · 10-02-2021, 05:10 AM

More eating.... More groceries.... Highest quality of food I can get... Because I enjoy it

More in my current cars..... Making them nicer... Driving more.... More track days.... More road trips

More making my house a better place to be.

Less on international travel and vacation.

Less in clothes

Less in new cars..... Not buying in this chip shortage

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanaudical

I'm certainly spending less on eating out and entertainment. Haven't been buying much stuff for the house. Spending more on food and quality ingredients to make interesting meals at home. Last year I spent some serious $$$ on home repairs/maintenance. Lately been spending a bunch more for car repairs and maintenance...

About the same - food bill went up because I'm eating more at home. Dining and entertainment expenses went down. Savings went up. I have an art hobby and I spent more time in my studio than painting plein air on weekends in the city. Took an Uber and road public transportation last week for the first time in about 20 months. Spent more time with my 2 sons as they both relocated to different cities. Plan to travel to see them over the holidays. I also cut down on misc expenses - I plan to retire next year and I leaning out everything and downsize..

rfuerst911sc · 10-02-2021, 05:46 AM

In regards to general spending I buy what I want when I need or want it so basically unchanged . But date night Friday restaurant dining has virtually been eliminated as a precaution from the virus .

flatbutt · 10-02-2021, 05:53 AM

I got tired of my own cooking months ago so now I'm spending A LOT more on take out food. Here's something I hadn't thought of initially. Being home so much more than usual the bits of the house that didn't bother me before became irritating. So I upgraded the bathroom and added a 2ndzone to my heating system so that I could use the basement in cold weather. I also spent money on toys.

Tervuren · Tervuren's Garage

Spending more for sure.
I saw massive steps being taken that would de-value money.
So why not spend it while I can.
Attitude change, absolutely.

More mail order foodstuffs.
Less visits to the grocer.
More fast food(From zero to a small amount.)
A large part driven by grocers becoming an unpleasant environment.
Originally just a safe-T thing on my part.
Then any time they put up some big new signs partially blocking the entrance with some new directive to follow, I'd just stop entirely for a bit.

I still by nature am not an easy spender.
I've gone from a 1 to 3 on a 0-10 scale.
Things I've thought about buyinig for years, some of those have been bought.
Others still unbought.

flatbutt · 10-02-2021, 05:59 AM

OH I forgot...ammo.

cantdrv55 · 10-02-2021, 06:12 AM

I’m spending more now until I stop working at the end of year when I retire. I’m buying tools, a car, eating out, Invisalign for me, misc stuff because on Jan 1, I’ll be on a fixed budget.

A930Rocket · 10-02-2021, 07:36 AM

Back in December, I bought a 05 330 CI and have been spending money like a madman getting it ready and driving on the track.

Then two weeks ago, I bought an M3 and have been spending money like a madman getting it ready for the track. I’ll sell the 330, lose money I’m sure, but will put that back in the bank.

Other than that, it’s the same.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

We've always cooked the majority of meals at home, ate out maybe 4-5 times a month. That is now down to once or twice. No entertainment except for streaming channels, no real wardrobe purchases, no new vehicles.

Hey, my life may be boring but I'm saving money!

aschen · 10-02-2021, 09:31 AM

We saved A Ton last year because no kids gymnastics, karate, swimming lessons, piano lessons etc. Not how i want to save but it has reversed now that things are mostly open now.

Besides food kids activities is our biggest expense i think.

varmint · 10-02-2021, 09:49 AM

Wanted an acre on the river. Have been going back and forth with the owner for a year over a 2% difference in price.

Saw the inflation rate and just gave in. Better to convert my cash to land before it devalues further.

dmcummins · 10-02-2021, 10:03 AM

Bought a house on the water that the wife said only needing updating. Her definition and mine of updating are not the same. So after a total rehab with COVID prices and no help, much more. Also bought a boat that was higher priced than normal.

I shoot sporting clays so ammo is much higher if you can find it. I also reload, but even component prices are much higher, if you can find them.

So more.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-02-2021, 10:09 AM

Spending more on machinery for the company and the cars, plus buying the Scirocco and GTI engine donor car.