Americans continue to spend less

June discretionary spending is up just slightly from last year

This article was published on 07.15.10

Still tightening the belt when it comes to your finances? If so, you’re not alone. A new survey indicates that Americans are spending far less in discretionary money than in 2008—close to 40 percent less. Two years ago last month, U.S. consumers were spending an average of $104 a day in places such as stores and restaurants. This year, that figure has plummeted to $67 a day. The silver lining is that the figure is up slightly from 2009, when Americans spent an average of just $61 daily.

Here in the West, however, June spending is down from both previous years. Here’s a look at this region’s dollar amounts for March-June, between 2008 and 2010.

2008 2009 2010 March $83 $68 $61 April $99 $61 $72 May $109 $64 $76 June $97 $70 $64

Source: Gallup.com