Consumers spent 1.5% less than they did in January. Is this a worrying sign for the economy?

And economists wonder how long those who are better-off can even keep it up.

Consumers’ plans for spending on fun edge out everyday essentials and big-ticket items, according to a survey from the New York Fed.

The furniture and home furnishings sector saw a 5.4% sales decline last year.

Shoppers have been pulling back on “discretionary” spending at retailers.

Discretionary spending may decline as people add those payments back into their budgets.

Reining in our debt amid the debt ceiling battle would require big — and painful — changes to government spending and taxation.

Retailers’ financial results show weaker spending on nonnecessities like electronics. Here’s where consumers are pulling back.

Here’s how one small business is adapting to the changing consumer climate.