I didn’t think people would open up their wallets for more mobile services.
But I’ve come to realize that it’s a lifestyle thing driven by kids with texting and mobile internet.
I resisted texting for a long time, but I now need it to communicate with friends and relatives. Of course with the iPhone and all the other smart phones out there, a $30 data plan is compulsory. Add texting that that’s an extra $50.
It’s an affordable luxury. Consumers are now hit with so many affordable luxuries that it’s hard to keep up.
Of course, without increasing home equity to finance it all, people can’t make the mortgage payment but the feel that those affordable luxuries are now necessities of life.
I’m not seeing people line-drying their clothes to save money or eating at home. They go out just as much as before, albeit to cheaper restaurants.[/quote]
I also benefit, professionally, from the way people spend on what I consider non-essentials. And I’m WAY to cheap to pay for a data plan for my phone. I have acquaintances who are on the brink of bankruptcy – but justify their smart phones w/data plans, their full package cable/satellite bills, and insist on putting their kids in Gap and Gymbo clothes… I roll my eyes when I hear how broke they are. It’s like the government – they don’t have an income problem, they have a spending problem.
I’m waiting for everyone to rush out to get 3-d capable tv’s… Most folks I know just recently upgraded to flat panel… and now their tv’s will be out of date because 3-d is the next big thing… I give it 2-3 years before we’re being told we can’t live without 3d tvs to replace our new HD tvs.
Oh – and I line dry about 1/2 of my family’s laundry… Too labor intensive for socks/undies… but for sheets/towels/pants/t-shirts – it’s easy… It’s free, zero carbon footprint, clothes smell fresh… I love it. My husband was surprised that I actually use the lines as much as I do… he expected it to be fad but we’re going on 3 years of 2-4 loads a week getting line dried.
