Brian Ripp ~ Your Bay Area & Fremont Real Estate & Financial Agent

Consumers are still cautious when it comes to how they spend their  money.  According to a recent Harris Poll, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults (63%) say they have purchased more generic brands in the post six months in an effort save money, while an additional 12 percent say they have considered doing so.

The survey also finds that each generation saves money in different ways.   For example, Gen Xers (ages 34-45) are more likely to brown-bag lunch (56%) and cut back on going to hair salons (43%).  Matures (65 & older) are more likely to cancel a magazine subscription (45%).  Members of Generation Y (age 18-33) are more likely to cancel their landline phone service and use only a cell phone (20%) and to carpool or use mass transit (26%).