It's as if 3 paychecks in a row is enough to make most people forget the whole period of unemployment and uncertainty that they suffered.

Just like in the Old Testament -- after a massive "learning experience", the people of Israel were in dire need of another just 40 years later.

Except in America it's 40 DAYS later!

Sad to say, but we really are doomed if this is the type of person populating America today. There is no way to teach such people.


Name: Linda Condrillo
Hometown: Mountainside, NJ

I've always been pretty frugal and have become a professional bargain hunter since being let go from my job about a year ago. I'm a lot more cost conscious now. Unemployment keeps me going back to Wal-Mart instead of Lord & Taylor. And I'll have to find a job soon, very soon.

Still, I will be eligible for an upgrade with Verizon and I'm considering the iPhone. I'm optimistic -- I'm seeing more job leads. And maybe if I look like I know what I'm doing, I'll get a job.


Name: Cheryl Pope
Hometown: Detroit

My husband lost his job at a local pizzeria here in Detroit in 2009. Their business suffered and they had to let him go. That really took a toll on our income. We cutback, we made a lot of spaghetti, chili, beans, things like that.

Six months ago, he found another job in the restaurant industry, so this year we are planning a family vacation. Before he got laid off we went to the Bahamas and this year we're going to Jamaica, so we'll be able to take the whole family. The trip will probably cost close to $4,000.

After eating Ramen noodles, beans and cornbread, and spaghetti every week for two years, I think it is time. We deserve it.


Name: Jordan Harbinger
Hometown: Los Angeles

I used to be a Wall Street attorney, and I got laid off in 2007. So I started my own company with my best friend. It's been successful, but it's just that it's still a start up.

I've cut back on food and started eating simple meals instead of ordering for dinner. I canceled cable. I haven't traveled much at all -- and I used to travel a lot.

Now, things are looking up for us, so I thought 'Ok, I'm going to get a car.'' I got a Ford Fusion, and I did get a deal on it. I'm totally happy with it, but having a car versus not having a car is going to require some lifestyle adjustments.


Name: Beverly Solomon
Hometown: Lampasas, Texas

Our art and design business has done better than most small businesses in this recession. However, with all the uncertainties, I have kept the spending down.

It has been very hard to refrain from buying the wonderful clothes that the luxury and upscale stores have been offering at great prices.

Even though we're not rolling in the money like we once were, things are starting to look up. Just recently I've had some of my wealthy clients calling me back and putting deposits down.

As my bottom line improves, II plan to splurge on some of those wonderful fashions that I have been lusting after for the past two years. I'm planning a shopping trip next week. I saw some beautiful jackets I'd really like to have. I'm sure they're marked down, and if I can find my size I'm going to nab them.


Name: Jill Mikols Etesse
Hometown: Leesburg, Va.

During the recession, my husband was with a start up that shut down, and I started my own company that's been slow to get off the ground. So we had to make some cutbacks.

We've been really pinching pennies for the past two years, not going out to dinner or taking trips. We tapped into our savings, which we said we'd never do. It's really been a struggle.

Then he went to work for his friend at another start up and his company picked up a couple of good accounts. Everything is finally on an upturn, and it hasn't felt like that in a really long time.

The house needed work so the kitchen is being redone, and my husband is getting a new used car!

I decided to splurge because I couldn't take it anymore. The kitchen was tile counter tops that have been there for a million years, now I can finally get the granite.

My husband's car hit 100,000 miles and started to have problem after problem so we decided we're going to replace that too. The last two years I worried about everything I bought and I don't feel like that anymore. It is such a feeling of euphoria!


Name: Monaica Ledell
Hometown: Wichita, Kan.

We had this economic crisis, and the first business I started failed. I just decided I need to change my mindset about what I'm spending my money on. I spend a pretty hefty amount on my daughter's school, but, I cut back on clothing and am always ordering off of Amazon for a better price on most things.

I worked hard to decrease debt and increase my credit score. I now have a new business and was able to steadily grow as an online marketing consultancy. Things have settled down a bit and my clients are feeling more at ease. I feel less anxiety about the economy, I feel like it's a little bit safer to take some risks.

I'd like to buy one piece of rental property, a single family home. I want to make a strategic - smart decision - and one day hopefully have a few apartment complexes to maybe retire on.

Two really big problems with what these people are saying. For one thing, you don't need to be wasting money on iPhones, expensive trips, and that sort of stuff. Also notice that these are women that are working outside the home! What a disgrace.

A glimpse into the devout shopper's mind.