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Some 'luxuries' survive economic woes
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pete Sampogna has his health, and he plans to keep it.
"Not being able to perform my job due to illness could make my personal economy a disaster," said the middle-aged Bellbrook resident. "Maintaining my health is more important than maintaining my car."
Sampogna's mission includes a twice-monthly dedication to what others may see as an expendable luxury: Therapeutic massage.
"In this economy when health care costs are soaring and the dollar is shrinking, it is more important than ever that I maintain my physical and mental well being," he said. "My health dollars have to be well-spent ... For a mere $65 my body is cleansed and relaxed, physical issues are addressed before they become major health issues, and my therapist (who is an R.N.), provides guidance and understanding for dealing with my middle-aged body."
Sampogna says it's no coincidence that in the five years he's been getting therapeutic massage, he's been in excellent health.
"Even with all of the negative news, I feel good about me." he said. "No way am I going to cut that back."
Sampogna's not alone. Personal luxuries can sometime be the highlight of a hard month — literally, in the case of hair-color touchups.
In late 2008, four salons opened or changed hands in the Dayon area, including Miya's in Centerville, which Jamie Miyahara bought from two women who continued at the salon as stylists.
Mary Lynn Bukey, Miya's receptionist, said, "We're seeing in times like this that it's kind of a feel-good thing to do. Cuts, colors, highlights, pedicures, manicures — these are things people are doing. They may not be traveling as much, but they're taking care of themselves."
Sally Monchert, of Fairborn, says that though she's cut back on her manicures, she's not about to give them up.
"I go once a month now," she said, "down from once every 10 days. I've cut back because I'm just generally worried about my personal finances, but I still need that time to relax and get some TLC — even if I have to pay for it! Sometimes enforced relaxation is the only way I'll sit still — and it really is the pause that refreshes.
"Besides," she said, "facing hard times is easier when your nails are done."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2
403
or
ldempsey
@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Sticks with carrots
March 11, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this
Fear of economic ruin, house foreclosure and and starving kids only motivates you to keep working for so long. There has to be a reward. Do you want to be motivated by fear or do you want to look forward to a reward? The stick or the carrot? Stick with the carrots, you’ll be happier.
By wildwood flower
March 11, 2009 5:58 AM | Link to this
To each his/her own. If you can afford to pamper yourself in this economy, go for it!
By Still Disgusted!
March 11, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this
Haha! I would just like to note that I get my hair done at a upscale salon….I guess that’s my “luxury,” but I’m not going to say “Well golly gee, it’s okay that the DP&L bill is 300 dollars this month no matter what you do to conserve energy…because everything is better when you’re pretty!”
All you morons can go and spend your money on whatever you like; that’s not the issue. You should just try to refrain from making stupid comments to embarass yourselves.
By Rational
March 10, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
Folks, folks. Let’s not forget that more than 90% of us are still working and if anyone is serious about picking up the economy, it’s going to be up to those working Americans to fix it. Remember, 70% of the economy is propped up with consumer spending. Without folks like her, even though she’s cutting back, the economy would be much worse. Oboma can only set policy, but it’ll be up to us and our wallets to save ourselves. More power to her and anyone else spending money in the private sector.
By Bill%20S%20from%20OH
March 10, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Looks like I will have to give up a big chunk of my social security. Just found out that dividends, interest, tax free bonds and even capital gains off set what you get from social security. Thank your government for double taxatiion. They are stealing from you to fund their own special retirement programs as they are special people don’t you know. That yearly statement they send you is a joke. That’s not what you are going to end up after they get done taxing you.
By doit
March 10, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
Those who are responsible Americans with their money are now more able to weather the so called “storm” beter than those who have been irresponsible with money. If you ask me, now is a great time to buy stuff and spend money since some things are less expensive. I have been on 2 vacations and bought a big suv in the past 8 months, a used suv btw. People should quit hatin!
By niki937
March 10, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
TESTIFY, Disagree with Disgusted! I’m so with you. if you can budget and afford to treat yourself, DO IT. there is no point in working if you can’t enjoy just a bit of it, no matter what the economic situation.
By Disagree with Disgusted
March 10, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Disgusted, you are the idiot! Do you feel better with a full stomach!? If so then you would say “Facing hard times is easier when your stomach is full”. Do you feel better after a shower? Some things make people feel better, and her getting her manicure is what makes her still feel good. And if I have seen right, you can get them for about 10-15 bucks at Wal-Mart and places like that. So when she gets her manicure, you’re probably stuffing your face with a delivered pizza (about the same cost)!
By Todd
March 10, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
It is good people are still getting these services done, because if they didn’t, these service providers would also be out on the street. If you have a stable job and can afford to get these things done, by all means do it. You patronage may keep someone else in a job!
By Jules
March 10, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
You’re getting on a woman for getting a manicure or pedicure? I am a licensed nail tech. I charge $25 for a pedicure and $15 for a manicure. A regular client should each every two weeks. Let’s see… that’s $7.50 a week for a manicure and $12.50 a week for a pedicure. Or $20 a week for both. Most people spend much more than that a week on fast food, coffee, cigs, etc. Skip the manicure if you like but a pedicure contributes not only to mental health but also phyical health.
By Diane
March 10, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
Sally-sorry on behalf of the rest of us who have manners for the “gentleman” who called you a friggin idiot.She said she cut back- if she can afford to still do something she loves and still keep others in business- more power to her ! It is no one else’s business how she spends her money ! Disgusted- YOU are what’s wrong with some Americans.
By Lifeistooshort
March 10, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
While I agree that times are tough, and when it comes to paying bills- they absolutely come first… but life too short for you to cut out luxuries all together… but how about instead of going to a salon to get your hair and nails done, do them at home- for a fraction of the price…
By Michele
March 10, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this
Okay alot of people were getting mani/pedi and yet and still the economy crashed and burned. There are worth while things you can do to stimulate the economy and yet make sense like making repairs on your home (unless the mailperson is dropping of your forclosure paper work while you are gettin your mani/pedi).
By an opinion
March 10, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. the people who do tiese things for thi9s lady are also in need. She is wiser than many, trying to keep the economy going!
By Kayleigh
March 10, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
I personally have not given up my manicure and pedicures or things that make me feel good. I am doing the economy a favor by getting out there and spending my money. I do not spend near what I used to, I have cut back in that regard, but you can not give up everything. If you continue to hord your money the economy is going to get worse and worse. I agree that when the sresses of life and the economy is getting to you, sometimes you do need to think about yourself.
By Agree with Disgusted
March 10, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
If this chick can still get her nails done, then she has no financial worries. Or, she is choosing to get her nails done instead of paying the water bill. People are losing their jobs all over the place and these people should think about saving that cash for an unforeseen future. Just my two cents …
By Disgusted
March 10, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
“Facing hard times is easier when your nails are done”
Are you kidding me? This is what is wrong with Americans. Yeah, all the people who are on the brink of losing their homes and trying to figure out how to feed their families everyday just need to go get a mani/pedi. What a friggin’ idiot.