Conspicuous Consumption

Paris, while it might not be home to the most conspicuous consumers, is visited by them nonetheless, due to being the home to many luxury goods.

In this economy, not only are the super-wealthy being downgraded to merely wealthy, but many aspiring to great wealth have been derailed by the global financial downturn. As a result, blatant displays of luxury are frowned upon.

Another result, probably closer to home to most people, is that many who were formerly outsourcing errands in some way, be it by going to the nail salon, hiring a dogwalker or employing household staff, are scaling back.

New Year's Resolutions

I have a couple of New Year's Resolutions. The one that relates to this blog is to continue getting my finances in order. Due to a couple of things, including a big doctor bill that my crappy insurance didn't cover, I was unsuccessful at paying off my smallest student loan. Not the end of the world. Because of billing errors, I have not yet started paying on the doctor bill. I expect the corrected version soon.

I have, however, been a successful transactor with my credit card. On Friday, when I get paid, I will pay the balance currently there, which was for a Christmas present I ordered online. I also used my mom's store card to buy some things, and will make a payment there.

Another contributing factor was the Salvation Army family we adopted. We basically bought everything they wanted; the needs (bedding and clothing, down to socks and underwear) were greater than the wants (watch, basketball and dvd's). I spent more than I should've, but that's okay. My credit union has a holiday account into which I plan to divert money so I have cash in hand next year for presents.

For myself, I don't have much luxury to cut out; most of it went a few years ago. Lately I've splurged on new books at the bookstore, though I haven't been reading that much lately and still have a big stash of books left to read. In this economy, having a steady income seems like a luxury.