Flemington, NJ, October 27, 2009 – Results from a new media study among 222 viewers of a news clip on frugal living revealed that in the past year, the key areas that consumers have cut spending in are dining out (81%) and personal luxuries (79%).

Nearly half of consumers have sold personal items for extra income.

The study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com® website on October 26 to obtain viewers’ perceptions of a news clip which featured consumers’ spending behaviors and frugal living in the past year. To view agreement curves and detailed results go to: http://www.mediacurves.com.

Among the other top areas that consumers reported having cut back on included buying clothing/accessories (69%) and vacations/travel (62%). In addition, 47% reported that they have sold personal items to earn extra money, and 22% indicated that they have worked more overtime or picked up extra shifts at work.

Among the findings:

In the past year, have you cut back on any expenses in your life (purchased less of, or a discounted version of a product or service)? Select all that apply.

(Click the following link to view responses)
http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0910/Consumercutbacks.doc

While viewing the video, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked to respond to post-viewing questions.

ENDS