How a Recession Changes Weekly Spending

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The money spent on the Riesling was probably well worth it!
Jonathan Hull
www.TheNYRieslingExperience.com

Jonathan Hull of NY 11:09AM May 05, 2009

If you have a stockpile of gift cards, they are NOT money. If I never used them, they'd be worthless like Monopoly money. It's not like I can take my 60 dollars in starbucks gift cards and buy food with them or something...
As to entertaining at home: Most of the time, I do. But this past week was the last week of the extended Restaurant Week. Blue Ribbon is a restaurant that's normally way out of my price range for a 3 course meal, I can't even afford to look at the menu and neither can my boyfriend.
And, one more point: Almost everything I bought for me was on sale at the grocery store...I draw my shopping list from the sales flyer. I can't attest to the stuff I bought for the BBQ. I think some of it was, and some of it wasn't. I was short on time and decided that the extra expense was worth the trade-off.

veronica of NY 5:39PM May 04, 2009

Since when are gift cards not money. They are the same as. Like was said before, make your own tea. Stop eating out, entertain at home.Who needs donuts? Buy only what is on special at the grocers. There is a lot to learn beyond grad school

Jane Rowland of AZ 2:48PM May 04, 2009

I should clarify some things:
The beer at dinner, not mine. I did drink water that night.
I didn't drink a whole bottle of wine, it was a gift for the FIRST BBQ of the season. Ny mother taught me never show up anywhere empty handed...even if it is your boyfriend's place.
I only went drinking one night...which is not that much in NYC.

Veronica of NY 2:27PM May 04, 2009

1st - make your own tea much easier and will actually taste better... the bottled tea is pricey.
2nd - for someone in recession... seems to drink lots of alcohol... water is a great way to save while eating out and at home.
Otherwise, you are creative in handling your money and gift cards... I hope the gift cards keep coming otherwise you will then begin to do 1 and 2 above.

Guy of NC 1:38PM May 04, 2009