The pie charts show changes in American spending patterns between 1966 and 1996.

These two pie charts illustrate the expenditures of American people in different categories from 1966 and 1996.

Overall

,

food

accounted for the largest share of individuals’ expenses in 1966,

whereas

computer goods made up the least significant part of the chart.

In contrast

, cars were the most popular type of expenditure in 1996, whilst book expenditures were the least share in that year. Looking at the details, in the year 1966,

food

and cars accounted for the biggest proportion of spending with 44% and 23% respectively.

Besides

, people were willing to spend on petrol and furniture an average of 9,5% of their money on, whilst restaurants and

food

amounted to an average of 6,5%. As for computers, it was the least popular type in 1966, with a modest 1%. Meanwhile, in 1996, the highest outgoings were on cars, on average, by 22% more than in 1966. There was a reduction in

food

spending by a hefty 30% which made

food

the second highest type.

Moreover

, outgoings on petrol and furniture experienced a negligible decrease to 8%. As for money for restaurants, the figures doubled over the whole period in question.

In contrast

, expenses on books showed a significant fall to a mere 1%. Computers share rose considerably, rocketing to 10% from 1%.