Broke Folks: Cheap Is The New Black

So you’ve been feeling the pinch of the downturn … at least you’re in good company. Here’s how Philadelphia is cutting back.

Posted on February 2009  
Text Size: A | A | A
 
Illustration by Keith Negley

“I’m buying less plastic and more biodegradable goods — spending more wisely in ways that foster sustainability.”  — Sister Mary Scullion, Project H.O.M.E.
 
“I told my wife way back in September: No more luxury spending. Now we’re down to buying everything at Anthropologie, where we get a 40 percent
friends-and-family discount.” — Cary Borish, Marathon Grill
 
“I’m not a kid, and I’m never gonna whine about what I make, but I’m certainly cognizant of the old economy going sour. I’m eating out less, but then, I’m also on a diet for the marathon.”  — Arthur Makadon, attorney
 
“I live a relatively spartan lifestyle already.” — John Street, former mayor
 
“We’re taking less-extravagant vacations. Like instead of a luxury trip this past Christmas, we took a family trip to Ottawa with my son’s hockey team.”  — Peter Breslow, publicist
 
“My manicures and pedicures are only every four or five weeks now. Plus, we try to buy from local proprietors … except for Target. Some places we just can’t live without.”  — Hilary Jay, executive director, Design Center
 
“The only thing I’m cutting back on is reading depressing things about the economy. It’s not pinching me yet.”  — Fergus Carey, Fergie’s Pub

 

 

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, February 2009
 
Philadelphia It List

Philadelphia magazine's Philly Cooks

Join Philadelphia magazine for a unique tasting experience as the city’s top chefs and restaurants compete for Dish of the Year, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, and Best Dessert.
 
 

The Philadelphia Wine Festival

Join Philadelphia magazine and PA Wine & Spirits Stores at the Lincoln Financial Field and sample hundreds of wines at the most anticipated tasting event of the year.
 
 

Best of Philly 2011 iPhone App

For your iPhone: Keep the city's best restaurants, shops and services at your fingertips! Browse five years of winners including our brand-new 2011 list. Click to download now!
 
 
 
 
 

To view this page, you must be using Internet Explorer 7 or higher. Please visit microsoft.com for more information.