Political leaders have debated whether the building boom was at the expense of their budget's other big discretionary item, higher education.

More than 60 percent spend most of their money on discretionary items like clothing, entertainment and eating out.

Travel is viewed as one of the more discretionary items.

What we are seeing are clients who have overspent mostly on discretionary items.

"Travel often makes the short list of discretionary items to be curtailed."

"It will probably force them to make a more realistic appraisal of their financial situation, and spend less on discretionary items."

They sell only discretionary items - fashion that a customer may want but does not need.

The average student spends $135 a month on discretionary items.

"We've added a couple of discretionary items, neither of which has a direct impact on our operating budget."

When they were through, the children saw how little was left for discretionary items.