Some interesting findings indicate that Americans are spending a lot more on technology these days – even to the point that day-to-day goods aren’t being bought more often.
An All-America Economic Survey conducted by CNBC indicates that 49 percent of the 805 parties polled actually shift their economic state in order to pay for technology. In order to afford new devices, including game systems, mobile devices and other pieces of tech, consumers usually cut back on a variety of things.
For instance, 20 percent of those polled buy less clothing in order to buy their goods, while 11 percent even go as far as paying less for food – that means not going to restaurants or paying for higher-end goods. Some even go as far as to sacrifice health care, with 10 percent of those polled stating that they cut back in that department.
According to CNBC, women between the ages of 18 and 49 and those with incomes between $50,000 and $75,000 were the most likely to cut back in these departments, with roughly 60 percent of respondents in the poll.
The survey also asked about which bills were the most important to pay when it came to technology use. The cellphone clearly led the pack, with 39 percent polled saying they would keep up on their phone bill. Coming in second place was Internet with 28 percent, and pay channels (like HBO and Showtime) with 20 percent.
Out of those polled, only 46 percent felt that paying their credit card bills was of utmost importance, despite interest rates. However, rent and mortgage continued to be a high factor, as 92 percent said they would keep their bills paid there, with utility bills close behind at 90 percent.
Finally, more expensive technology plays a huge part, as the poll indicates that 31 percent pay more for devices because of their higher price tag, and 13 percent feeling that they need more tech in their homes – even if they already have a sufficient amount.
