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Americans are 'doom spending' — here's why that's a problem

www.cnbc.com Americans are 'doom spending' — here's why that's a problem

As financial fears mount, some Americans are "doom spending," or spending money despite their economic and geopolitical concerns, as a way to cope with stress.

Americans are 'doom spending' — here's why that's a problem
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Americans are ‘doom spending’ — here’s why that’s a problem
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Americans are 'doom spending' — here's why that's a problem

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  • From the article (saved you a click):

    KEY POINTS

    • Nearly all Americans are concerned about the current state of the economy.

    • Still, many continue to spend more and save less.

    • “Doom spending” may be one way to cope with stress as economic fears mount, however, it comes at the expense of your financial well-being.

    • Still, many continue to spend more and save less.

      That's what happens when literally everything costs more than it used to.

      • That may be part of it but isn't a full explanation. For instance black Friday spending increased by 7.5% compared to last year, whereas inflation increased 3.2% over the last year.

        https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/28/black-friday-weekend-shopping-turnout-soars-to-a-record.html

        https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_11142023.pdf

        People are increasing their consumption still.

        • Eh, given the sales that go on black Friday, people may have been saving for large but necessary purchases. That black Friday was as big as it was is also a sign that people are trying to save a buck.

          I know I picked up a washer and dryer, and not much else

          • You may be right, October retail sales growth was weaker and something like 2.6% growth (just under the 3.2% inflation) as described in articles linked by the posted article. Forecasts are for all holiday spending to reach record levels this year beyond just what inflation would suggest. When the year finishes there will be more concrete data beyond just black Friday to find out for sure.

            I think doom spending is a reasonable idea.

            I think another piece is increasing wages. Those increased on average year over year in October by 5.2%. So many people probably feel individually they can afford the increased prices and buy even more on top. Though if you're in an industry or situation where you haven't been able to leverage the high labor demand and low unemployment for increased wages like most across the entire economy have been able to, you're probably hurting.

            • I think, if the data is granular enough, you could see it in what people were buying. Of half the sales were in DVDs and grown-up-toys, then yeah, it’s doom spending.

              But I doubt anyone whose pay check to pay check or even remotely close just went out and drop loads of cash on things that weren’t either vaguely needed or budgeted into savings.

              Outside of Black Friday, spending increases are accounted for by increase in food and energy inflation- not to mention the cost of debt- especially revolving debt.

              Also consider, that the 5% gains you cite probably include people that don’t really need them. The rest of us see a net loss compared to inflation- maybe not yoy, but compared to the last three years certainly. Rememebe the whole point raising interest is to both reduce demand and reduce increases in pay. (After all, it’s all the consumer’s fault and not at all greedy corporations fixing the prices of eggs… which are pretty much used in every kitchen.)

              This year no toys for me- rather it was very much needed appliances.

        • I think there's a real argument to be made in favor of the doomspending hypothesis, particularly with younger millenials and housing. If you accept that you're simply not going to be buying a house any time remotely soon, the temptation grows to just say fuck it and go buy some nice stuff or go on a trip.

          • Speaking with an n of 1, I've certainly noticed I tend to spend more impulsively when stressed. Definitely a theory.

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