The charts illustrate the percentage of money Americans spent on various items in 1966 and 1996.
Overall
, consumer spending patterns shifted significantly over the 30-year period. Linking Words
While
food and cars remained the largest expenditures, spending on books accounted for the lowest proportion in both years.
In 1966, nearly half of total expenses (44%) were allocated to food, making it the most significant category, followed by cars at 23%. Other expenses, including petrol, restaurants, furniture, computers, and books, each accounted for less than 10% of total spending, with computers having the lowest share at just 1%.
By 1996, spending on cars had nearly doubled, rising from 23% to 45%, making it the most significant expenditure. Linking Words
Similarly
, computers saw a substantial increase, rising tenfold to 10%. Linking Words
However
, the proportion spent on food dropped dramatically to just 14%. Spending on petrol, restaurants, furniture, and books remained relatively stable over the three decades.Linking Words
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