SavvySugar -- It Makes Sense.

Holiday Spending by Age and Region: How Money Are You

SavvySugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

There's a general national consensus that we're spending less on holiday gifts this year, but lucky for retailers, consumers are still spending something. The amount Americans are allocating to holiday spending varies according to geographic region and age. Can you guess how much people are spending around the country?

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How Many Job Interviews Did You Have in 2008?

SavvySugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:00:44 -0800

The recessive economy has made unemployment a new experience for many workers in 2008, and pounding the pavement in search of a new job means interviews are inevitable. Job interviews are the ultimate at putting job hunters on-the-spot, so props to you interviewees for holding your own in front of hiring managers and potential bosses. Whether you rocked them or not, how many job interviews did you go on during 2008?
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The US Is Officially in a Recession — Are You Surprised?

SavvySugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:46 -0800

We've been throwing around the word recession in connection with the US economy for some time now — everything from recession-proof jobs to recession-proof beauty is common vocabulary. However, in a statement released just today, the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed that the economy has been in a recession since December 2007. The last time the economy was in a recession was 2001, after the tech bubble burst. Members of the Business Cycle Dating Committee explained the requirements for a recession in a statement.

A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in production, employment, real income, and other indicators. A recession begins when the economy reaches a peak of activity and ends when the economy reaches its trough.

Source

The US Is Officially in a Recession — Are You Surprised?

Yes, I'm surprised the US has been in a recession for that long.

No, I'm not surprised the recession has been going on for a year.

I'm surprised it hasn't been longer!

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Did You Spend More Than You Planned on Black Friday?

SavvySugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:00:16 -0800

By now you've had time to review the discounted loot you brought home as Black Friday bounty and should have a good feel for how closely you're sticking to your holiday shopping budget. If you've already surpassed your limit for some people on your list, it may be time to readjust the rest of your holiday spending plan.
Source

Did You Spend More Than You Planned on Black Friday?

Yes, I spent more than I had planned.

I didn't set a holiday shopping budget in the first place!

No, I spent about as much as I had planned.

No, I spent much less than I planned.

I didn't shop on Black Friday!

Your Two Cents: Are You Hitting Black Friday Sales?

SavvySugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:30:30 -0800

It is a brave shopper who charges through Black Friday on a holiday shopping mission, and not everyone has the patience for tolerating pushy crowds. Hopefully, those determined shoppers are rewarded with heavy discounts that cause them to brush off any annoyances the day may bring. Are you hitting the sales today?
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Your Two Cents: Are You Hitting Black Friday Sales?

I already took advantage of some sales that started last night!

Yes, it's pretty much a tradition for me to hit the sales.

No, but I've gone shopping on Black Friday in the past.

No, I've never gone shopping on Black Friday.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

How Long Are You Willing to Wait in a Black Friday Line?

SavvySugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:17 -0800

Black Friday is the ultimate test of the time-is-money theory — after all, blowout bargains and crowds of shoppers typically characterize the biggest shopping day of the year. How long are you willing to wait for your turn at the register?Source

How Long Are You Willing to Wait in a Black Friday Line?

As long as it takes to get to the front of the line!

About one hour

30-40 minutes

15 minutes

I'm not shopping on Black Friday.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Have We Seen the Worst of the Financial Industry's Problems?

SavvySugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:30:11 -0800

Another week, another bank bailout. The most recent recipient of government aid is Citigroup, and the government's bailout package includes a $20 billion investment in the company and a $306 billion guarantee of risky assets. Monday's market close was met with cheers as investor enthusiasm sent the market soaring, reflecting a general investor bet that the worst of the financial industry's problems may be over. Do you think we've seen the worst? Source

Have We Seen the Worst of the Financial Industry's Problems?

Yes, the financial industry's crisis has hit its bottom.

Maybe, it's too soon to tell.

No, we haven't yet seen the worst of the financial industry's problems.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Would You Turn to a Psychic For Money or Career Advice?

SavvySugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:30:17 -0800

Business has never been better for psychics. Men and women are turning to them for cosmic advice about what to do in this chaotic economy, hoping they will get answers to help make sense of the things out of their control. The New York Times interviewed a number of psychics who indicated their clients' questions have shifted along with the economy. Rather than seeking guidance on relationships, people want insight into job interviews and their struggling businesses. One psychic said, “In this day and age, a spiritual guide is an everyday therapist — that’s what the business has become." Source

Would You Turn to a Psychic For Money or Career Advice?

Yes, I would visit a psychic to ask about money or career advice.

Maybe, but I wouldn't expect any life-changing answers.

No, I wouldn't spend money for money or career advice from a psychic.

I have visited a psychic for advice on these issues.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Have You Noticed That Restaurants Are Less Busy?

SavvySugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:30:15 -0800

San Francisco is a foodie city with more than enough restaurants to satisfy any craving. The last few times I've made reservations at places that usually require them, I've looked around thinking that I didn't need to bother calling ahead. The one exception was when I dined at the Italian restaurant that changed its pricing scheme to offer cheaper portions of the same quality dishes. Have you noticed that restaurants aren't as busy they used to be?
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Have You Noticed That Restaurants Are Less Busy?

Yes, I've noticed restaurants aren't as busy.

Not really, but I rarely eat out.

No, I haven't noticed a slowdown in restaurant business.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Know How Much You Spent Last Holiday Season?

SavvySugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:45:41 -0800

How quickly we forget! We claim that this holiday season won't be as costly as the last, but how can we be sure? If last year's holidays are a blur of parties, cookies, and mistletoe, dig up your credit card or bank statements from the end of last year to get an idea of how much you spent last year on new party clothes, gifts, and the cost of hosting gatherings.
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Do You Know How Much You Spent Last Holiday Season?

Yes, I have a good estimate of how much I spent last year.

I have a ballpark idea, but I'm not worried about my expenses this year.

No, I couldn't accurately estimate how much I spent last year.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

How Often Do You Check Your Personal Email at Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:15:38 -0800

Source

How Often Do You Check Your Personal Email at Work?

Once a day.

2-3 times a day.

4-5 times a day.

I'm on all day — I never sign out!

I never check it!

Something else. See my comments below.

Are You Giving Any Gift Cards This Year?

SavvySugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:45:09 -0800

A gift card isn't considered as thoughtful as something chosen especially for the recipient, but it's still a nice gesture and can make a great stocking stuffer. When companies go bankrupt they usually refuse to honor outstanding gift cards, and this uncertain economic climate has businesses using advertising to channel any bankruptcy concerns. For example, J.C. Penney is delivering the message that "you can feel good about giving a J. C. Penney gift card."

Are You Giving Any Gift Cards This Year?

Yes, I'm giving gift cards to some people this year.

Maybe, I haven't decided yet.

No, I'm not giving gift cards to anybody.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Brilliant or Baffling: Salvation Army Accepting Credit Card Donations

SavvySugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:15:51 -0800

The Salvation Army bell-ringing is as much an expected part of the holiday season as department store Christmas music and the seasonal flavors at Starbucks. Because so many people roll cash-free these days, this is the first year the organization is experimenting with accepting debit and credit card donations. The standard red kettle will still play a role in holding cash contributions, but five bell-ringers in El Paso County, CO will also have the ability to swipe cards. What do you think of this charitable development, is it brilliant or baffling? Source

Brilliant or Baffling: Salvation Army Accepting Credit Card Donations

Brilliant!

Baffling!

Undecided.

Your Two Cents: Do You Go Shopping For Gifts Last Minute?

SavvySugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:30:23 -0800

Shopping for gifts with time to spare is one way of ensuring you won't spend too much in a crunch. That doesn't mean you should have to shop year-round, but it certainly can pay to keep an eye out for that special something at the right price. Do you tend to wait until the last minute to buy gifts?
Source

Your Two Cents: Do You Go Shopping For Gifts Last Minute?

Yes, I am a last minute gift buyer.

No, I don't wait until the last minute to shop for gifts.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Did You Bring Your Lunch to Work Today?

SavvySugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:29 -0800

Buying lunch every day can really add up, so it makes good sense to bring your midday meal at least a few days each week. Did you bring or buy your lunch today?Source

Did You Bring Your Lunch to Work Today?

Yes, I brought my lunch to work today.

I meant to, but I forgot it at home!

No, I didn't bring my lunch today.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Would You Volunteer to Give Up Your Job Right Now?

SavvySugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:15:12 -0800

It's a troubling time for the publishing industry, and the largest US company of them all, Time Inc., is reacting by cutting jobs from its magazines. Time has asked for 100 volunteers from its editorial staff at a handful of publications, including Time, People, and Sports Illustrated, to volunteer to give up their jobs. Volunteers would of course leave with severance packages (terms undisclosed to the media). It's a tough job market out there in many industries, though some are still supposedly good bets for finding open positions. What would you do?
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Would You Volunteer to Give Up Your Job Right Now?

Yes, I'd give up my job for severance right now.

I would if the job market weren't so tough.

No, I wouldn't voluntarily give up my job right now.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Would You Pay $10 For a Plane Seat Away From Kids?

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:15:57 -0800

We've all been there. You're finally zoning out into something resembling sleep when that angelic baby in the row behind you begins wailing louder than you thought possible. Don't judge the baby (or the parents), hate the plane.Canadian airline WestJet asked its customers if they'd pay $10 for a seat away from parents with babies or small children on board. Would a seat separated from kids be worth your $10?
Source

Would You Pay $10 For a Plane Seat Away From Kids?

Yes, I'd pay $10 for a seat away from little kids.

Maybe, it would depend how much distance the airline could guarantee.

No, I wouldn't pay $10 extra to try and escape sitting near little ones.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:15:52 -0800

Many of our parents are nearing retirement age, and it's likely their retirement portfolios took a hit with the market. Almost half of you said your parents have a good idea about your financial state, but does the transparency go both ways? Ron Lieber of The New York Times suggests it's important to open an inter-generational dialogue about the family's finances: He says parents should be honest if their retirement savings have been devastated and their kids should admit their monthly debt payments.Do you have a clear picture of your parents' finances? Source

Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

Yes, I have a clear picture of my parents' finances.

I can sort of guess, but am not confident that it's accurate.

No, I don't know much about my parents' money.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Have You Had to Role-Play at Work?

SavvySugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:00:37 -0800

Role-playing is The Office's way of demonstrating that practice makes perfect, and Dwight and Jim's performance was comedic perfection. Jim played the client named Mr. Buttlicker while Dwight played the paper salesperson, and each role-player had his own pretend phone. Michael, of course, moderated the whole thing terribly. My first experience with role-playing at work was during college when I was waitressing — I didn't like it then, and I still despise it. Have you had to role-play at work?

Have You Had to Role-Play at Work?

Yes, I've had to role-play at work.

No, I've never had to role-play.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart?

SavvySugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:30:28 -0800

The troubled economy has been bad news for everyone but deal-driven Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer is preparing for a booming holiday season to follow its successful Summer and Fall sales numbers. One Deutsche Bank analyst predicts it will be “a Wal-Mart Christmas,” and Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics surmises, "It’s going to be a primary destination for a lot of people who may not have gone there in recent years, but who will elect to go there for the price and the value." Source

Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart?

Yes, I've been shopping at Wal-Mart more since the economy started to crumble.

I'm not shopping there any more than I was before.

No, I'm still not shopping at Wal-Mart.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Know Someone Who Lost a Job After Summer?

SavvySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:15:25 -0800

I was shocked back in July when 62 percent of you said that you knew someone who had lost a job this year, because at the time I personally didn't know anyone that had suffered a job loss in 2008. The job market has worsened swiftly since the crazy events of this Fall and, unfortunately, I now know many people who have lost their jobs. The change in perspective has me wondering, do you know anyone who has been affected with job loss since September rolled around? Source

Do You Know Someone Who Lost a Job After Summer?

Yes, I know at least one person who has lost a job after Summer.

No, I don't know anyone who has lost a job after Summer.

I lost my job after Summer.

Something else. See my comments below.

Will Barack Obama Positively Impact Our Economy?

SavvySugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:15:16 -0800

The economy was a huge issue throughout the 2008 Presidential campaigns and is one of the primary concerns for President Elect Barack Obama. CNN polled voters and 62 percent of respondents said the economy is their number one concern. Do you think Obama will be able to positively impact the US economy?
Source

Will Barack Obama Positively Impact Our Economy?

Yes, I think he will be able to have a positive impact on the economy.

I'm not sure.

No, I'm not confident he will be able to help the economy.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Your Two Cents: Are You Leaving Work Early to Vote Today?

SavvySugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:15:45 -0800

Casting your vote for the next US president should be a priority today, and we can expect Election Day voting lines to be on the longer side this year. Here in California the polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., so hopefully the long hours encourage everyone to get out and vote. Will you be leaving work early or taking time out of your day to vote?
Source

Your Two Cents: Are You Leaving Work Early to Vote Today?

Yes, I'm taking time out of my work day to vote.

No, I'll be able to vote without taking off early or leaving the office during the day.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Should the Deeply Indebted Get Credit Card Forgiveness?

SavvySugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:15:29 -0800

Consumers are increasingly defaulting on their credit card balances and banks are suffering because of the massive debt write offs due to the defaults. To remedy the situation, an alliance of financial industry interests and consumer advocates proposed a special program to the government. As legislative director for Consumer Federation Travis Plunkett says, "In this case we have a clear common interest." Most of the biggest credit card banks are on board with a pilot program that allows lenders to forgive up to 40 percent of a borrowers debt, with the maximum forgiveness going to consumers nearing bankruptcy. Existing rules that allow for the reduction of principal require the debt to be paid in a matter of months, while the pilot program will allow the remaining debt to be paid over several years. Do you think the pilot program is a good idea? Source

Should the Deeply Indebted Get Credit Card Forgiveness?

Yes, the partial forgiveness will help people and banks.

Maybe, I'm torn on this one.

No, this will only encourage people to default on their cards.

Something else. See my comments below.

Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?

SavvySugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:00:59 -0700

Those who celebrate Halloween often spend the day after recovering from two types of hangovers, one of them being from sugary sweets. You might not want to think about candy right now, but there are always big discounts on Halloween treats and decorations starting Nov. 1. Will you be scooping up any of these holiday items on sale? Source

Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?

Yes, I'll shop for post-Halloween discounts.

Maybe, but I won't go to the store for the sole purpose of getting Halloween items.

No, I won't be shopping for discounted Halloween items.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Participate in Frequent Flier Programs?

SavvySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:30:26 -0700

American Airlines started the first frequent flier program in 1981, and ever since people have been banking up miles for future flights. When people say they are paying for their flight with miles, does it make you envious or can you relate?
Source

Do You Participate in Frequent Flier Programs?

Yes, I participate in frequent flier programs.

I'm signed up, but haven't earned enough miles to use.

No, I don't participate in frequent flier programs.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Does Shopping Feel Good When You've Had a Bad Day?

SavvySugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:17 -0700

Source

Does Shopping Feel Good When You've Had a Bad Day?

Yes, shopping puts me in a better mood after a bad day.

Sometimes, but it's not my go-to bad day remedy.

No, I don't use shopping to make me feel better.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Did You Spend Money on a Halloween Costume?

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:00:27 -0700

Halloween doesn't have to be expensive, but as we get older it's harder to come up with a fabulous costume that doesn't involve spending money. There's always the option of recycling last year's attire to save, though dressing up isn't as fun when your outfit is expected. And, no, this Starbucks "looking for work" costume is not what I'm wearing. Did you shell out cash this year for your Halloween costume?
Source

Did You Spend Money on a Halloween Costume?

Yes, I bought my costume this year.

Yes, but only a few accessories for an outfit I already had.

No, I didn't spend money on a Halloween costume.

Something else. See my comments below.

Do Your Parents Know About Your Financial Situation?

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:38 -0700

Debt can be a difficult thing to talk about with your family, and many young adults in debt are fearful their parents will be disappointed and consider them financial failures. Whether you run a tight ship when it comes to money and are smooth sailing, or you've found yourself in financial trouble, money isn't necessarily a topic that's comfortable to talk about with mom and dad. What do your parents know about your financial situation?
Source

Do Your Parents Know About Your Financial Situation?

My parents have a good idea about my financial state.

They have a general idea about my finances, but we don't really talk about it.

My parents don't know much about my finances.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Spend the Holidays Apart to Save Money?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:45:30 -0700

My best friend is in her first few months of blissful marriage and she and her husband are busy planning their first holiday season as newlyweds. The plan is to visit his family on the East Coast, but because of an unpredictable income in a weak economy, she has been considering staying at home in California while her husband travels east. She is fine with spending the holidays apart, but knows that the family wouldn’t take the news well if she sat this season out, so she’s being a (reluctant) trooper and spending the dough. Would you spend the holidays away from your special someone to save money?Source

Would You Spend the Holidays Apart to Save Money?

Yes, I'd spend the holidays apart to save.

No, I wouldn't sacrifice the holidays together to save money.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:30:55 -0700

People often tell me they have a love / hate relationship with money. If you had to choose one or the other, would you say that you love or hate money? Source

Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

Love it!

Hate it!

Neither