With the current financial situation in mind, many folks are looking to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Have you ever wondered where Americans draw the line between a want and a necessity?  Are we on the right track?

A recent National Retail Federation survey gave some clues as to where we are quick to make sacrifices and where we are not.

For instance, high on the expendable list were luxury handbags, satellite radio, high end cosmetics and maid service.

In contrast, on the untouchable list were such items as internet, cell phone, and cable TV.  The good news is that the respondents appeared to make a clear distinction between a basic level of service in these categories and an upgraded set of services.  The premium tier of service tended to be classified as expendable item, even if the basic level of service was not.

Of the respondents, over 60% had reported that they had already started to cut back on unnecessary items.  The items that were high on the list of expenses that had already been reduced were restaurant expenses, entertainment, some apparel purchases, and travel.

The bad news for many people in church leadership is that charitable contributions were seen as expendable by 67% of the survey participants.

To see the full set of survey results, you can visit the National Retail Federation website to learn more.