Meal Assembly Watch

With tax refunds in hand, there might be a short lived splurge in spending. Probably shouldn’t get used to it though, the economy seems far from being fixed.

Shoppers tired of fretting about every expense are starting to treat themselves again — albeit just a bit — amid tentative signs that the economy may be stabilizing. These splurges — dining on steak instead of hamburger or buying a coveted handbag — are providing a little relief to businesses that are still suffering as spending remains weak.

To be sure, these signs of life do not signal a swift turnaround. Job losses keep rising and confidence in the economy remains near historic lows. Some economists even warn of a double-dip recession, with another contraction later this year after a brief respite.

People starting to splurge: Consumer are getting tired of skimping

Other Articles of Interest:

• 2009 Outlook Worse than Technomic Originally Thought
• Experts Say Consumer Spending Unlikely to Return
• Slumping economy reins in teen spending
• Meat Costs, Consumer Worries to Pinch Wendy’s
• Warren Buffett: Economy Has ‘Fallen Off a Cliff’
• Fast food chains offering more food for less
• NRA Predicts October Rebound for Industry
• Rising costs of food, fuel and home energy spur inflation on to 2.2%
• Economy Continues to Take Toll on Restaurant Industry
• States drain unemployment trust funds