Benefits February 23, 2009

Americans Trimming Fat off Restaurant Spending

February 23, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A new survey by employee assistance program provider ComPsych found nine in 10 workers were trimming spending in the face of a down economy, with nearly half trimming their dining out expenses.
Reported by

A ComPsych news release said other survey results included:

  • 13% planned to trim their entertainment bills.
  • 10% pointed to services such as dry cleaning and pet care.
  • 9% said clothing.
  • 8% said technology including Internet connectivity
  • 2% cited commuting costs.
  • 1% pointed to health care
  • 10% said they are not taking steps to save money this year.

“As people cut spending on food, trends show a step down from higher quality restaurants to fast food,” said Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych, in the news release. “This is obviously bad for employer-sponsored wellness programs, as workers’ diets may become significantly less healthy.”

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