How's your "consumer confidence" doing?

[Jackpine Radical]

Are you spending like you always have, are you spending a little more because of all the bargains the scared retailers are putting out there, or are you tightening up? Has the current situation actually cut your available income?

As for me, my income is about the same as always; my business is fairly recession-proof. However, I find myself a little more reluctant to part with cash. Eat out a little less often, pass on a new toy, and drive a little less, paying more attention to combining my errands so I take fewer trips. Even though I'm not yet in a bind, I do think tough times are just around the corner, and my recession-proof income may not be depression-proof. (State and county agencies pay for a lot of my work.)

[OhioChick]

1. Not buying anything I don't absolutely need. n/t

[RebelOne]

2. I'm doing all right. So far, my income has not been affected.

But I'm tightening my belt because I am hoping to retire soon and want to put more money into 401K, savings and IRA.

[Uben]

3. I'm pretty much recession proof, too

I have apartments and lease homes in what is still a strong market. I'm doing pretty much what you are, but I am still spending some. The wife has been doing some ebay selling, and we use that money for entertainment. I'm still sticking back $3K/mo just in case! I also have kinda stocked up on groceries just in the off chance a flu pandemic should arise. I hate going out during flu season! I got my flu shot yesterday, and the pneumonia shot a couple of weeks ago, so I am prepared. My wife has had neither, and will not take them (she has allergies to raw eggs).

[The2ndWheel]

4. I've never been a great consumer

I'm certainly part of the problem, but I keep trying my best to stop economic growth. It's not easy. It's a process.