Are folks here planning on reduced discretionary spending in 2025?

[MissB]

(Potentially through 2028?)

I’m just curious. Right after the election, it seemed like folks here (and on social media) were planning on cutting spending next year. Some of that seemed to be geared towards avoiding potential tariffs and some seemed to be trying to step out of supporting the economy in any way.

What are your current thoughts on the idea?

[newdeal2]

1. Generally yes

Will still travel and eat out a bit, but will avoid any big purchases if I can until I see how things shake out.

[beaglelover]

2. No, don't plan any changes in spending habits for the foreseeable future.

[EarthFirst]

3. We were planning a HELOC remodel of our first floor...

Kitchen; living room; foyer; and entry doors.

We decided to put that on a screeching halt; due to the potential unforeseen cost of building materials.

We decided we can forgo those upgrades in the short term.

We purchased a few electronic devices recently to replace aging models in advance of potential tariff increases.

Other than that; we plan to proceed with caution and frugality to protect ourselves financially.

[MichMan]

4. As a retiree, inflation driving up prices of everything, has already limited my discretionary spending

Car and Homeowners Insurance, gas, groceries, utility bills, car costs etc.

[canuckledragger]

5. Yes.

Partly because I'm pretty poor and don't have much of a choice...but I can choose not to buy any US products.

[Freddie]

6. Yes but mainly because I'm losing my PT job

I was a “temp” for 5 years and they’re finally filling the FT position. (Don’t want the “real” job, I’m retired). Probably no vacation this summer which is fine by me.

[LSparkle]

7. In a word, yes

I was going to buy a new living room couch but am holding on that. If I do it I may look at American made because hopefully the prices won’t increase as much next year.

[NickB79]

8. Absolutely

[JustAnotherGen]

9. Yes

Exception - we love to travel. We were going to do some traveling in in Arizona (Grand Canyon), Mississippi River Cruise, and do long weekends in GA and SC - next year.

Nope - switched it to the Bahamas next Thanksgiving, Croatia summer, and a family trip to Italy and Germany with a few days in Switzerland.

[canetoad]

10. What discretionary spending?

I'm the founding member of the post-consumerist society.

[SWBTATTReg]

11. Yes. I am not going to support the tRUMP agenda by supporting anything that tRUMP does.

Instead, I'd rather watch the idiot tank everything via his own unilateral actions, just wait and see what idiotic things he does. It'll clear to direct link to his incompetence. Unfortunately, I hope that no one suffers for tRUMP's failings, but I don't think that this will happen w/ tRUMP, he has a serious defect in which he alone, knows everything. When I hear someone boosting of this, I just ran away as fast as I can.

I've already stocked up, and will continue to do so. Hopefully some of us on DU have also prep'ed for the tRUMP tsunami in their own way. Hang tough and hang tight for the upcoming roller coaster.

[Xolodno]

12. Yes. More layoffs and bankruptcies were announced.

This won't have an effect on the economy right away, but it will eventually. Consumers will cut back and Trump will be trying to pin it on Biden.

[SallyHemmings]

13. Our TV died on Thanksgiving

I saw it as a blessing.

New TV; couch & windows.

The couch & windows were planned for the Spring. I was able to move up the purchase.

My friends & bonus children are doing what they can before Biden leaves.

[OAITW r.2.0]

14. I was going to buy a 30HP diesel tractor this Spring.

Front end bucket and a wood chipper off the PTO. Really start chipping the deadwood, blowdowns, and general delimbing to create walking trails using the chips as a walking surface on my 50 acres of property. With connection possibilities to 1500 acres of potential walking trails. Now. not so sure I want to make the financial commitment.

[The Wandering Harper]

15. yes

a couple months ago was one of the few times in my life I've felt remotely financially secure.
Now I feel like I'm back to square one.
All y'all talking about going on cruises and vacations and whatnot at a time like this
make me sick frankly

[XanaDUer2]

16. Not sure how to cut back more

Old car old clothes just buy food and RXs. Do need new black pants. May need to buy some mine have holes

[Amishman]

17. Yes, all extra funds go to paying down debt and DIY projects.

No luxury items for the foreseeable future here. Focus is on security; financially and personally.

Plus homesteading type projects are therapeutic.