Organic In Style

I just read an interesting article that got me thinking about my spending choices during this difficult economic time.  We all know the cost of fuel and food is rising steadily.  In fact, according to CBS News, with the cost of food going up (and subsequently the cost of food needed to feed livestock) we could see these increases by next year:

• Chicken = $2.63 lb. (10% increase)
• Beef round roast = $4.22 lb. (10% increase)
• Pork chop = $4.78 lb. (30% increase)

 Because of these and other increases, people will begin spending less on clothes and other durables and will put their money where it matters most: comfort and convenience (according to the Euromonitor).  For a lot of people, this means technology.  “Technology has been one of the areas where consumers have always been prepared to spend money. But with the economy slowing down, growth may be limited to products that offer real benefits. Consumers will likely cut back in other areas in order to protect their spending on the next iPhone, computer or digital media player.”

This hit close to home because of the significance of today, July 11, 2008.  My husband asked if I knew what today was and I said, “Our 11 month anniversary?”  I was right, of course, but more relevant to this post - it is the day the new IPhones come out.  I read this morning that some 1,500 people were camped outside of one Apple store.  1,500 people!  And here I was hoping that we could just go to the store and buy one on Saturday.  I’ll be lucky if we can get one in a month!

But I digress.  The point is, my husband and I have become very aware of our spending habits, especially at the grocery store and the pet store.  We’ve gone so far as to start using coupons (okay, twice, but still…) and now we only shop once a week rather than whenever we feel like it.  We haven’t gotten to the point of skimping on Oscar’s dog treats or food yet.  Just the other week I bought two bags of the “good stuff” and was proud of myself for being such a conscience and aware puppy parent.  And we still eat healthy and try to make good choices.  But if things keep getting worse, I don’t know.  Am I willing to give up organic food or the new IPod phone?  What would you do?

Sources: 

Soaring Feed Prices Slap Farmers.  CBS News with Katie Couric.  07/02/08.

Perez, M. The 25 Global Consumer Trends for 2008.  Euromonitor.com.  07/02/08. 

Apple.com