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Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:44 PM Apr 2020

How has your money flow changed since the stay at home situation?

I'm wondering if there is pent up money from those who didn't lose their jobs that will send the economy up immediately when businesses reopen


42 votes, 1 pass | Time left: Unlimited
same income but spending less money
25 (60%)
same income and spending the same amount of money but distributed differently than before shutdown
3 (7%)
same income and spending more money
3 (7%)
shutdown means less money coming in for me
4 (10%)
other
7 (17%)
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
47 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How has your money flow changed since the stay at home situation? (Original Post) Demovictory9 Apr 2020 OP
I'm spending less because I'm not driving or eating out. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #1
I planned to support local restaurants by continuing to order food but it's not as feasible Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #2
Same here in beginning ordered marlakay Apr 2020 #9
I'm glad I went on a few short vacations summer 2019. Those memories will tide me over. Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #15
I finally made it to Ireland last summer marlakay Apr 2020 #20
Recessions and uneven, and recoveries are as well unblock Apr 2020 #3
event venues are screwed (until vaccine). fancy dine in restaurants will hurt for longer than fast Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #22
Yes. But, strange times, Domino's pizza is doing fine unblock Apr 2020 #31
We'll be able to pay off our car one year earlier then contract indicated. a kennedy Apr 2020 #4
based on less money spend during Stay at home? Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #5
Yes.......no gambling, no eating out with bar bill..... a kennedy Apr 2020 #45
"same income and spending the same amount of money but distributed differently than before shutdown" J_William_Ryan Apr 2020 #6
I'm on social security, thank God. rgbecker Apr 2020 #7
auto ins companies have been adjusting downward. My homeowners ins is cutting 25% off one month Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #28
Groceries costing more eleny Apr 2020 #8
online shopping is more expensive than in person.. that is true. Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #19
I work at home and haven't done any major grocery shopping in at least a month. SMC22307 Apr 2020 #10
why did spending money make you feel guilty? Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #12
Because so many are hurting financially. And I'm trying to... SMC22307 Apr 2020 #13
buying that rug helped a business Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #24
The the thing was probably made in China and I bought from overstock.com. SMC22307 Apr 2020 #26
We are spending nothing outside of living expenses EarthFirst Apr 2020 #11
My income went down by half the first month, MerryBlooms Apr 2020 #14
as long as you let them know you have a dime to your name, they'll try to pressure you out of it Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #18
Yep, pirates just like trump. MerryBlooms Apr 2020 #35
Neither DH nor I are spending much money MissB Apr 2020 #16
I'm retired and living off of investments Poiuyt Apr 2020 #17
Yes, retirement savings largely in Mutual Funds. Don't need the money right away, though. Midnight Writer Apr 2020 #39
We invested my inheritance and have a large stock portfolio LeftInTX Apr 2020 #42
Increased income Tink41 Apr 2020 #21
retired and might soon be working again Hamlette Apr 2020 #23
my homemade masks came out wonky, so I just ordered 3 from ebay - the handmade kind Demovictory9 Apr 2020 #27
mine are a tad wonky, but cute. Hamlette Apr 2020 #47
I'm spending way less since everything I love to do has been canceled. Initech Apr 2020 #25
Less money? No money grantcart Apr 2020 #29
No income, same spending. BlueTsunami2018 Apr 2020 #30
I have vastly less coming in, but I built things for cases like this. Blue_true Apr 2020 #32
Retired, so same income. SeattleVet Apr 2020 #33
Still working, but in a different position happybird Apr 2020 #34
Same income, no movies, no eating out, sending money to furloughed relatives... hunter Apr 2020 #36
Same income, spending less. smirkymonkey Apr 2020 #37
We're ordering groceries online. Everything is way more expensive secondwind Apr 2020 #38
Other. Same income for another 4 weeks. Then UI will be needed Roland99 Apr 2020 #40
Spending more! LeftInTX Apr 2020 #41
Different distribution DFW Apr 2020 #43
I'm retired and have been able to travel. Not now! mnhtnbb Apr 2020 #44
Income is the same, saving more money madville Apr 2020 #46

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
1. I'm spending less because I'm not driving or eating out.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:48 PM
Apr 2020

I do have to spend more at one time ordering food and other deliveries, and of course there are fees for that, but overall I'm spending somewhat less.

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
2. I planned to support local restaurants by continuing to order food but it's not as feasible
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:54 PM
Apr 2020

when at home all day with a fridge full of groceries. I ordered a few times then slacked off.

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
9. Same here in beginning ordered
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:08 PM
Apr 2020

From a mexican restaurant and pizza place then haven’t since. We have more money because no trips out of state to visit kids and going out including wine tasting and buying bottles we love that.

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
15. I'm glad I went on a few short vacations summer 2019. Those memories will tide me over.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:14 PM
Apr 2020

no way in heck am I traveling in 2020.

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
20. I finally made it to Ireland last summer
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:19 PM
Apr 2020

So I have that, I went alone, I had first cruise planned to Mediterranean this fall so excited for our 20th anniversary. Canceled when I saw what was happening in Italy as most stops there.

The only thing I haven’t canceled is airbnb cabin in woods not far 30 min drive from ocean in August. Thought i could bring cleaner with me even though they clean, I am still not sure.

unblock

(51,974 posts)
3. Recessions and uneven, and recoveries are as well
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:55 PM
Apr 2020

This one will be extremely uneven.

Amazon is doing great but dine-in restaurants are mostly closed entirely. It's unusual in a recession for so many businesses to be shuttered instantly.

The recovery is harder to predict because it depends on how households get through. Though who are lucky enough to keep their income will have pent-up demand, but everyone else will still be getting their finances in order.

Plus, even those with pent-up demand might not be so eager to quickly return to crowded places....

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
22. event venues are screwed (until vaccine). fancy dine in restaurants will hurt for longer than fast
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:20 PM
Apr 2020

fast food.

a kennedy

(29,467 posts)
45. Yes.......no gambling, no eating out with bar bill.....
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 10:54 AM
Apr 2020

we’ve just saved a lot being more at home.

J_William_Ryan

(1,736 posts)
6. "same income and spending the same amount of money but distributed differently than before shutdown"
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:58 PM
Apr 2020

Food bill is up a bit because groceries are getting delivered.

Electric bill will likely be up a bit because I’m home all the time.

Gasoline expense is down because I’m hardly driving.

rgbecker

(4,806 posts)
7. I'm on social security, thank God.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:00 PM
Apr 2020

If, indeed, we get a $1200 check, I'll actually have an increase in my income...near term. I'm dependent on income from dividends and interest from retirement savings and these will likely be cut as the businesses lose revenue because of the shut down. My biggest expenses are RE taxes, insurance and utilities and I don't expect any of them to adjust downwards. So we'll see. As I said: Thank God for Social Security.

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
28. auto ins companies have been adjusting downward. My homeowners ins is cutting 25% off one month
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:27 PM
Apr 2020

not a lot but something

eleny

(46,166 posts)
8. Groceries costing more
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:05 PM
Apr 2020

I can't shop manager specials and closeouts or get good ideas for meals based on sales. We do shop online for best deals on non-food items. But groceries are definitely costing us more right now.

SMC22307

(8,088 posts)
10. I work at home and haven't done any major grocery shopping in at least a month.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:08 PM
Apr 2020

Spending practically nothing, but did cave yesterday and bought a big area rug for the screened porch. Felt kinda guilty...

SMC22307

(8,088 posts)
13. Because so many are hurting financially. And I'm trying to...
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:13 PM
Apr 2020

batten down the hatches in the event of a furlough or layoff, but so far, so good (THANK GOD).

SMC22307

(8,088 posts)
26. The the thing was probably made in China and I bought from overstock.com.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:24 PM
Apr 2020

But, yeah, it's helping someone along the line.

EarthFirst

(2,877 posts)
11. We are spending nothing outside of living expenses
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:08 PM
Apr 2020

Everything else goes into savings.

We are playing the long game in the event that a second or third wave of COVID creates a need for a second; more restrictive shutdown.

We probably won’t adjust this spending lifestyle until well into the third or fourth quarter.

Even if we can ‘restart’ the economy. There’s some major damage done that isn’t going to rebound as quickly as many economists are predicting.

I feel a lot of Americans are going to adjust their spending habits after this.

I believe that a new ‘savings economy’ is ahead of us for better or worse; depending on who you ask.

MerryBlooms

(11,728 posts)
14. My income went down by half the first month,
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:14 PM
Apr 2020

then I found more work, but not in time before I fell behind. When I talk to my credit card company, they don't give a shit. All they want is money, which I get, but I've been with them for 25 years- same account, doesn't matter... I used to pay it off every month, but my situation changed. Then this corona shit hit. It's like talking to a brick wall. The record every conversation, when I talk to them tomorrow, I'm going to let them know they're acting like a loan shark and they full know by the time I pay them I have $50 to live on for the rest of the month, then ask them what's next if I don't have the funds and have to stagger my payment and am late? Are they coming to break my legs? My PTSD is through the roof and on Monday, I'm going to have my doctor increase my anti seizure meds. These cc companies aren't in dire straights like we are, but they sure as hell are acting like it.

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
18. as long as you let them know you have a dime to your name, they'll try to pressure you out of it
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:17 PM
Apr 2020

if you are not willing/able to pay more, no point in the conversation. It will just stress you out. your long history with them means nothing. that's just how it is.

MissB

(15,800 posts)
16. Neither DH nor I are spending much money
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:14 PM
Apr 2020

I filled my gas tank right before we were told to work from home. I generally use a tank every two weeks; it’s been a month and I’ve used a bit more than a quarter tank.

This week we’ve moved fully to delivery or curbside pickup for everything. I was hitting the grocery store about every 10 days in average.

I’ve started a list of things I’d like to do once everything opens up. None of it is critical- all wants not needs- but I want to be certain about what we spend our $ on.

I am having a car serviced this week. They pick up and deliver. I don’t need a loaner car, and when they return it, it’ll sit there for a few days anyway.

I’ve scheduled a roof/gutter cleaning for a few weeks out.

Other than that, just grocery spending. I’m carrying a car loan that will be paid off in two months. Or I’ll hold it a bit longer and beef up savings more. Either way, we just aren’t spending much and we are both still working full time (telecommuting).

Usually this time of year I’d be looking at the nursery to add some plants to my yard. This year I’m concentrating on my veggie garden.

Poiuyt

(18,087 posts)
17. I'm retired and living off of investments
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:16 PM
Apr 2020

We've taken a pretty big hit in our stock portfolio, so I want to minimize any spending until things go back up.

Midnight Writer

(21,548 posts)
39. Yes, retirement savings largely in Mutual Funds. Don't need the money right away, though.
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 01:09 AM
Apr 2020

Can live modestly on my pension unless an emergency comes up.

LeftInTX

(24,560 posts)
42. We invested my inheritance and have a large stock portfolio
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 02:53 AM
Apr 2020

Not good.

It will improve. Wish I had some $$$$ to invest now. As they say, "Buy low".

Tink41

(537 posts)
21. Increased income
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:19 PM
Apr 2020

Out of work. Increased income, spending locked down. The situation wont last long but I'm enjoying it. I'm a saver and get giddy by extreme saving practices. I have to do it though, I don't see myself going back to work til next year.

Hamlette

(15,394 posts)
23. retired and might soon be working again
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:21 PM
Apr 2020

I'm on hold to go back to unemployment office if needed.

I spend less except I have been buying toys online for my grandkids who are stuck at home and sometimes drive their parents nuts. And stuff to make face masks. Been doing that.

Demovictory9

(32,324 posts)
27. my homemade masks came out wonky, so I just ordered 3 from ebay - the handmade kind
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:25 PM
Apr 2020

people are making them using beautiful colorful fabric. I wanted a variety.

Initech

(99,915 posts)
25. I'm spending way less since everything I love to do has been canceled.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:23 PM
Apr 2020

But I am buying a new car later this year so I will be able to put a pretty nice down payment on it when this is all over.

BlueTsunami2018

(3,461 posts)
30. No income, same spending.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:35 PM
Apr 2020

I applied for unemployment March 21st and have not received a dime yet. Can’t get through to them no matter what I try. And the bill collectors don’t give a shit, they’re all Paulie from Goodfellas.

Once they straighten me out I’ll be ok but right now the wolf is at the door.

SeattleVet

(5,468 posts)
33. Retired, so same income.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:02 PM
Apr 2020

We've been eating out a lot less, and using up what we have in the pantry and freezer a little more than usual. Costco trips have been about 50% higher than usual, but we've been going less often and mostly tocking up on the things we always use.

Our only really big expense was last week when the stimulus bucks were direct-deposited, and we decided to order some beer from our local co-op brewery for pick-up, and also included a massive tip (a little over 100%) for the beertenders that have been doing a great job keeping everyone well-stocked. We decided that putting a little more into our neighborhood's economy was good for all concerned, and that's what the money was really for.

Our investments are probably down quite a bit - I have consciously NOT been frantically checking them on a daily basis. We've been 'buy-and-hold' investors for many years, and it's worked out very well for us. We should be diversified enough to blunt some of the impact of the recent market volatility, and we also have some 'protected' investment instruments that have limit switches for losses.

At any rate, you really haven't actually lost anything until you cash it out, so with any luck most of it will more than recover by the time we need to start drawing on it. In the meantime we're good on our defined retirement plans, and haven't even started drawing Social Security, yet.

Once things open up a bit more I'm sure we'll use our favorite local restaurants a lot more.

happybird

(4,516 posts)
34. Still working, but in a different position
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:06 PM
Apr 2020

so my income has been about half. My hourly wage is higher but, as a server, most of my income was from tips. I’m still getting tips but they’re pooled and split with the rest of the kitchen crew, so nowhere near as much as I was making before. Ha! It’s weird to think I’m technically BoH now. I just hope they don’t want me in the kitchen when we get to reopen as a regular restaurant, lol!

My spending has increased. I’m moving into a new house (was supposed to be at the end of March, but keeps getting pushed back) and have been ordering tons of needed stuff from Amazon, Wayfair, and other sites. I should finally be able to move in at the end of the month. Thank goodness for my savings. I am grateful to be so fortunate.

hunter

(38,264 posts)
36. Same income, no movies, no eating out, sending money to furloughed relatives...
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:33 PM
Apr 2020

... and local food bank.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
37. Same income, spending less.
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:19 AM
Apr 2020

Can't get much delivered. The next grocery slot I could get is on April 30th. I'm scraping by. I'm still trying with other vendors, but no luck yet. I have been ordering take out for food, which is actually cheaper than groceries since it lasts a few days. However I am really running low on household supplies like paper goods and cleaning solutions.

There is just not much to spend money on that I need. I have been giving out donations to Dem candidates here and there,but that is about all I am spending on other than bills which are all automatic payments.

LeftInTX

(24,560 posts)
41. Spending more!
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 02:35 AM
Apr 2020

Food is more expensive!

And we haven't received our checks and the IRS website says, "We can't determine if you are eligible" WTF???

DFW

(54,056 posts)
43. Different distribution
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 02:54 AM
Apr 2020

Gas has gotten about 15% cheaper, and we're hardly using any of it anyway. We rarely eat out, so no real change there. We sometimes go for weekend getaways to nearby cities (Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, Barcelona, etc.) and have cut that out. No capricious shopping for fun (but expensive) foods and desserts to bring home from places I visit on working day trips (e.g. Zürich, Paris, Brussels). On the other hand, we have used the savings to do decades-overdue replacement for parts of the house that we just never got around to.

I have not been able to leave Germany for over a month now, and it is frankly ridiculous that I am still being paid at all. Even the countries I visit for work every week are still locked down, so even if Germany loosened up more than it has, it wouldn't do me any good. In other words, I'm being paid as a charity case for work I have not done, mostly in recognition of 45 (this August) straight years of nonstop service. I'm not ready to retire (I'm only 68), but everyone concerned knows this can't continue for long. Hurry up and wait.

mnhtnbb

(31,319 posts)
44. I'm retired and have been able to travel. Not now!
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 06:52 AM
Apr 2020

I cut my birthday trip short by a week when I came home early from Bonaire on March 9th. My trip planned for Charleston's Spoleto Festival at the end of May has been canceled. I am about to cancel the mountain house I have booked for 2 weeks this summer from the end of June to mid July. Normally I would go to the beach for a week here in NC mid October. I haven't booked that and doubt I will.

I have been working on losing weight. So I've given up buying wine and booze. Not going out to restaurants.

I'm definitely spending less. My SS and pension income are the same and I haven't seen a decrease in dividend or interest income from investments. Yet. That could be coming and if or when it does, hopefully won't affect every day life since a good portion of it went to trips that now can't happen.

madville

(7,397 posts)
46. Income is the same, saving more money
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:08 PM
Apr 2020

I'm a government employee so paychecks are the same. Only actually allowed to go in to the office one day a week now, do everything else virtually from home so not spending money on gas or eating out.

I'm actually putting 25% of my income into the stock market the last couple of months since it took such a big dip, lots of good bargains out there on stuff that will come back eventually.

I think my biggest problem right now is boredom.

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