April 24, 2009

Luxury vs. necessity: Rethinking in tight times

Posted: 11:04 AM ET

This morning we told you about a survey reported in USA Today that says Americans are redefining their view of not only the American dream, but what it means to thrive and prosper.

Spa day: A 'necessity' of the past?

For many, these tough economic times have sent dreams of luxuries such as spa visits and satellite TV out the window, and replaced them with more pressing concerns such as food, clothing and health care.

We asked Morning Express viewers about their own shifts in perspective. What do they consider a luxury now, but used to think - in fatter times - was absolutely necessary? Read their responses below, and add your own in the comments field.

- My wife and I now drink cheaper wines, hell we aren't dead yet!

- Dental care is now a luxury, a cleaning and x-rays costs the same as what I pay for rent! Health should never be considered a 'luxury item'

- My kids get shoes when they need them and my feet still get wet. - Tracy

- I think that my happiness is a luxury. I used to be all about smiles and a good time now I'm working hard with little down time.

- My tattoos and piercings used to be a top priority, now they are a luxury along with brand name gasoline. - Andrea in New Orleans, Louisiana

- Name brand over the counter drugs are pure luxury. Read the label- generics are the necessity. – Jackie

- I used to think cable TV was necessary. Now that I don't have it I see that it is a very big luxury!

- Health care for my family is now a luxury! I can either feed them or let them see a doctor – what a choice! – Denis in Florida

- Food is becoming a luxury these days; Guess it is one way to get skinny. Aloha – Ray in Maui, Hawaii

- Robin to heck with cell phone and cars all I need is air conditioner food and my family!

- My motorcycle is definitely a necessity - it's my therapy these days! – Lon in Texas

- Air conditioner, car, and dishwasher are necessities. Cell phone, makeup, hair color, beer, lattes & eating out are luxuries! – Tammy in Wyoming

- Computers used to be a luxury but now you need one for every step of your life! – Jamie in Galliano, Louisiana

- I used to tan all the time. Now that I'm laid off, tanning is definitely out of the question.

- Going out to eat used to be a nice treat, but with a newborn, student loans, and a laid off husband, it's a luxury now.

- I could not live with out my cell and makeup. Oh yah, and a hair straightener. - Ashley and Nicole in Missouri

- I buy professional products and do my own manicures & pedicures at home instead of at the shop or spa. – Sandi in Illinois

- Going to see sport games is definitely a luxury when you can just see them on TV.

- I believe that toilet paper is definitely a necessity, although very soft toilet paper is quite the luxury!! - FreezeSukka

- We don't buy expensive hair care products or health and beauty junk anymore. We also stopped dyeing our hair every five weeks. – Dawn in New Jersey

- I made more money last year then I ever have ... but I still buy store brands. - Dennis in Salt Lake City, Utah

- Dining out, movies in a theater, most name brand products have been axed so I can afford cable. YOU are a necessity, Sunshine!

- Vacations have definitely become a luxury for me ... I am glad I got to travel back when the economy was strong! – Irene in Fargo, North Dakota

- A luxury is being able to afford the gas to go to West Palm Beach, Florida, to visit our 97-year-old mother.

- Unfortunately, healthcare and healthcare Supplies have migrated to being a luxury item(s). – Glen in South Florida

- We use to take at least 2 vacations a year. Now it will be a luxury and local day trips will be planned. - Angeline in Virginia

- I used to stop for Starbucks several times a week. Now, that's a luxury I have to do without.

- Luxury to me is having money in the bank and hold on to it incase things hit rock bottom I can still stay ahead and not worry. – Louie in Pennsylvania

- I think people are confused about necessities and luxuries. Anything you can survive without is a luxury. Michaela, 11 years old, Texas

- I used to think having a green lawn was necessary but it is not. It can be expensive to maintain and a waste of water. – Jill in Nevada

Posted by: TV/Web producer Kate Taylor
Filed under: Your Turn

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Infinity

April 24th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Robin,
Has anyone noticed the 3 crazies in the news right now
their last names end with OFF?

Madoff/ ponze scheme
Markoff/ murder suspect
Primoff/ mother throws out her kids

Interesting no one has picked up on this name
connections.

Infinity

Jon Phillip Boulton

April 24th, 2009 7:04 pm ET

I agree that brand name products and also just going out, sure there are things that are free, but there are a lot of things that you just want to do that you just can't. Jon in Paducah.

Becky Atchison

April 24th, 2009 8:39 pm ET

I used to get me hair cut and colored every 6 weeks but with everything going up I can only go every 18-20 weeks. Becky in Arizona

Roxy Dozier

April 24th, 2009 10:38 pm ET

Hey Robin, Just want to say our family LOVES waking up with you. You're our sunshine!! So anyways, I use to think all the finer things in life were a neccesity. Not so anymore. All I need is my family, my health, my job, food for the kidos and a place to put my head. If only we could all go back to basic living maybe we could solve some major issues!

P.S. feel free to check our blog out http://www.digginbeingdoziers.blogspot.com

jessie lavon

April 25th, 2009 12:05 am ET

I am looking for more info about the relator who started to paint and now has her art in gallerys,she was on the show this morning.April the 24th
what was her name and where can I see her art,
Thank you Jessie

Seth in Michigan

April 25th, 2009 8:20 am ET

I used to eat at fast food restuarants every day. Now I prepare and cook all my meals at home.

Harley Bob

April 27th, 2009 6:40 am ET

Sadly today anything that helps make life easier and more enjoyable could be classified a luxury, it's very interesting how we look at things now.

Mary in Florida

April 27th, 2009 7:46 am ET

Our checking account is a luxury these days. Transactions that are made on days when money is in the bank to cover them are lumped together instead of taking them out one by one. This causes $25 charges for each transaction instead of just for the last one. So, even if we put a deposit in to cover the last one that we know would have been close, we have several charges instead of one. The domino affect continues because of the charges. And, when you call the automated line or check on line, it looks like the transactions are being paid one by one until the last one causes all to bounce...........I don't get it, can't understand it, can't afford it.

Lynn

April 27th, 2009 8:03 am ET

You know times are tough when people start selling their body hair. There is actually a man on e-bay that is selling his body hair to the highest bidder. What next?

stace

April 27th, 2009 9:15 am ET

Having money left over after necessities has become a luxury and we have a family lottery to see who gets the treat...:)

James Carrow

April 27th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Dear Robin,
Food and water still remain necessities for most of the population up here in Portland, with Starbucks coffee coming in a distant third, and rent somewhere way back in the pack (along with cars, sports tickets, and shopping at Nordstrom's). Thanks for your clear thinking on this subject, James Carrow

Cliff

April 27th, 2009 1:40 pm ET

I have found it is more relaxing to plant my own vegetable garden and be able to sit outside and think about the wonderful things I have now and not about luxury. Luxury is the past. Planting a garden is the future.

April 27th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

well i stoped eathing that there oscer mayer balogna and i started eatin that food lion kind. theey got 4 packs for $5 this week and i have enuf left over i can buy some bread too. if had a litle more money i could get me a jar of that mayoneise and really be livin high. i sure do like balogna and i like hot dogs too but the good kine is still to much.

Tom George

April 28th, 2009 7:17 am ET

Hey Robin, how is it that such a BEAUTIFUL LADY gets better looking every day!!! Love your new hair style and think that you are at the top of The Worlds Most Gorgeous Ladies!!!!!!

Tony

April 28th, 2009 7:59 am ET

I used to take my dates to "fancy" restaurants, now a days it's Mickey D's ladies!

Gary Martin

April 29th, 2009 6:38 am ET

No longer have satellite or cable..trying to figure out how to watch online, (there are priorities you know). re: state of the Union...does anyone else ever read Tom Clancy novels anymore?

John-seethegenie.com

April 29th, 2009 11:11 pm ET

The internet is definitely a necessity! I used to consider it a luxury. I often wonder how those out of work are able to look for work…….

Robin-Love Your Show!!!!!!

scott stone

April 30th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

I think the eleven year old is the smartest commentator I read, we all have become confused between what sustains us versus what we coddle ourselves with.

bill

May 8th, 2009 2:52 pm ET

we need to see that simple things are the most important. we have a food bank at our church and are helping people almost everyday. I see as a pastor the important things of live. if anyone woluld to contact me about our food bank please call 423-667- 2287 robin if you would
like to do a good story about people who care call me.

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