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Discretionary spending

Is there room in an aspirational budget to spend on fun and save for a house?

by Stephanie Hughes
Jan 17, 2024
Consumers' plans for spending on fun edge out everyday essentials and big-ticket items, according to a survey from the New York Fed.
Consumers are spending more on things like skin care, make-up and candles, says Natalie Kotlyar of BDO.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
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Furniture sellers hoped for a better 2023

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jan 17, 2024
The furniture and home furnishings sector saw a 5.4% sales decline last year.
Furniture sales dipped 4.7% for the year, according to the Commerce Department.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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What counts as "discretionary" spending?

by Samantha Fields
Nov 15, 2023
Shoppers have been pulling back on "discretionary" spending at retailers.
What counts as "discretionary" spending varies from person to person, depending on their spending habits. For example, food is a necessity, but there's a difference between pantry staples and a prepared steak dinner.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
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What will the end of the pause on student loan payments mean for retailers?

by Stephanie Hughes
Apr 21, 2023
Discretionary spending may decline as people add those payments back into their budgets.
When payment obligations resume as expected this year, discretionary spending could dip and affect big-box retailers and local bistros alike.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Raising the Debt Ceiling

Why is it so hard for Congress to deal with the national debt?

by Kimberly Adams
Apr 20, 2023
Reining in our debt amid the debt ceiling battle would require big — and painful — changes to government spending and taxation.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's terms for lifting the debt ceiling would limit discretionary spending, roll back some tax credits, end student loan forgiveness and repeal additional IRS funding, among other things.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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Amid persistent inflation, just what is "discretionary" spending?

by Savannah Maher
Mar 2, 2023
Retailers’ financial results show weaker spending on nonnecessities like electronics. Here's where consumers are pulling back.
As consumers tighten their purse strings, expenses like takeout and dining out may be on the chopping block.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
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As discretionary spending slows, retailers try to make themselves essential

by Kristin Schwab
Jan 17, 2023
Here's how one small business is adapting to the changing consumer climate.
Pricier items like furniture tend to be put on hold when households budgets are strained, said AlixPartners' Sonia Lapinsky. Above, a shopper at a Houston Ikea.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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