The recession is taking a toll on everyone these days, leaving people worried about finding their next penny. But Black women especially are defying the odds by still spending their hard-earned dollars on life’s little luxuries.
ESSENCE.com hit the streets to ask our readers, even though money is tight, what’s the one indulgence you can’t do without. Keep clicking! You may be surprised to find out what they had to say.
Age: 40+
City: Maryland
“I have a weakness for shoes. I buy shoes about every other week. I just bought about seven pairs three weeks ago.”
Age: 38
City: Baltimore
“Oh my gosh! I feel guilty saying this but massages. I go once every three months and just splurge. I will pretty much still do it no matter what. It takes me away from the world for a little while and allows me to forget that things are a little tough right now.”
Age: 30
City: Washington, D.C.
“My big indulgences are on my jeans and T-shirts. I only wear my T-shirts once so I have to buy them like every week. I usually pick up the $9 pack.”
Age: 21
City: Hawaii
“Hair products are my thing. I have to make sure that my hair looks good.”
Age: 36
City: Middletown, New York
“I still like to go out with friends, but I’m always looking out for discounts for the spa.”
Age: 31
City: St. Louis
“I indulge when I take women out. It gets really expensive at times. I spend at least a $100 a week.”
Age: 25
City: New York City
“Actually, there are these expensive pair of shoes that are really nice but cost around $1,100. I want them really badly. If I had $1,100 today, I would buy them. When you look nice you feel better about yourself.”
Age: 38
City: Brooklyn
“I have to look good, so if I see something out there I want, I have to buy it no matter what the cost. I always try to budget for it. Plus, I always have to get my eyebrows done because I have to keep them looking groomed.”
Age: 37
City: New York City
“The economy can’t stay bad forever. It will eventually get better. You can’t stop stop living your life. I like shopping and I’m still doing it.”
Age: 32
City: New York City
“Every two weeks, it’s like clockwork—I have to get my hair done. Also, I go out to eat a lot because it’s like a treat. I can’t be home all the time. That’s just way too boring.”
Age: 29
City: Dover, Delaware
“Well, I still get my hair and nails done, only because I feel as though that’s what a woman needs to do for herself. It gives me peace of mind.”
Age: 26
City: Brooklyn
“I’m still living the same way. I’m not going to stop living because of the current state of the economy. I feel like it’s going to get better maybe in about four or five years, but I’m still going to do what I do.”
Age: 46
City: Livingston, Virgina
“I would say traveling is my indulgence because it makes me happy. And I don’t miss out on deals because there are a lot less people traveling these days. The economy is going to eventually get better.”
Age: 63
City: Brooklyn
“I love fabric. It has to be quality fabric because I’m a designer, so if nothing else, I’m still spending on nice pieces of fabric.”
Can you identify with these people? Tell us what’s the number one thing you can’t do without?
Reported by: Jenisha Watts
Age: 45
City: Livingston, Virgina
“I still eat out. We dine at home but I think that’s one of the things we indulge in.”
