In this economy what services or things you will never forgo? (Chicago: condos, house)

[long101]

My girlfriend and I always would have a couple very nice dinners out every month now we downgraded to chineese, pizza, or simple places. Ive been trying to stock up on sales at the store and as bad as it is I stopped contributing to my 401k.

2009 is going to be a very tough year for me.

[supernerdgirl]

Originally Posted by lincolnparker

my neighbor says shes cutting back on nanny service and chauffeur services, but will still go for her botox treatment, though she will be driving herself in her maserati. What is your story?

oh please.

and here i am having to consider whether i should slash my cable or my cell phone minutes.

[jdiddy]

I've decided I'll do without a new top hat for a while, but I refuse to downgrade the monacle.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by jdiddy

I've decided I'll do without a new top hat for a while, but I refuse to downgrade the monacle.

Monocle? Pish posh. Why would I need to see? I've got a manservant to fasten my spats, and the footmen who support my sedan chair all have perfect vision.

The economy is hurting us all. I was planning on purchasing little cashmere covers for every individual fiber on my tennis mink (you know... so the fur doesn't get upset...). I already have fur covers for my other furs... my driving fur... my walking fur... my swimming fur...

I just see no reason to be so damned extravagant...

Anyway, I hear Olaf trying to find me, so it must be time for my quarter-past deep tissue massage.

You can stop typing now, Jorge.

No, Jorge! You weren't supposed to type that! These are things I'm saying to you, not things you're supposed to type.

No, that's alright. Don't delete it. I can afford the extra lines.

Good help is so hard to find these days.

[ToriaT]

I'll never forgo my cleaning lady and manicures.

[Milwaukee City]

I just upped my cell phone minutes/text options, cable stays where it's at I can't live without sportscenter.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by lincolnparker

Yeah, I agree. Second or third tier cities are doing very well if not booming in this economy. Look at twin cities, Milwaukee, Richmond VA. They are all expanding.

Second and third tier cities are being affected just as much. From the outside looking in, it may seem like there doing pretty well. But look at St. Louis, which had been showing great strides in the last two years. Now, company after company are cutting jobs all around the metro area.

[Venom]

Nothing.
Since I don't really use much services.

[ajolotl]

A cleaning service and a handy man. They allow me to spend my free time productively. Life wasn't meant to work all day and clean all night!
Otherwise, I don't really need anything -- minimum phone (10 free calls), no cable, old cars, no personal cell phone, etc. If private school tuitions for the kids is considered a service that would probably be the only thing higher up on the hierarchy.

[Venom]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

Monocle? Pish posh. Why would I need to see? I've got a manservant to fasten my spats, and the footmen who support my sedan chair all have perfect vision.

The economy is hurting us all. I was planning on purchasing little cashmere covers for every individual fiber on my tennis mink (you know... so the fur doesn't get upset...). I already have fur covers for my other furs... my driving fur... my walking fur... my swimming fur...

I just see no reason to be so damned extravagant...

Anyway, I hear Olaf trying to find me, so it must be time for my quarter-past deep tissue massage.

You can stop typing now, Jorge.

No, Jorge! You weren't supposed to type that! These are things I'm saying to you, not things you're supposed to type.

No, that's alright. Don't delete it. I can afford the extra lines.

Good help is so hard to find these days.

Hahahahahaha