Columbia, SC (WLTX/AP) - Are you feeling less stress when it comes to the economy? According to an Associated Press analysis, most of us are. It's called an AP Index and it calculates a score from 1 to 100 based on factors like unemployment and foreclosures.
When it comes to the economy we all know the bad news.
"There have been a lot of jobs that have been lost," explained Charles Flowers, of Columbia Abacus planning group. "A lot of companies have been shut down. We saw the stock market for 2008/2009 go down a whole lot.
Over the past few rocky years, many of Flower's clients have been cutting back.
"People have given up some of the little niceties in life like a cup of coffee or maybe let's go out on a date night once a week," he says.
But according to the AP Index, economic pressure is starting to relax and people are beginning to open up their wallets again.
Sabrina Thomas is the location director for Wisteria Salon and Spa. She said that over the past few months business has been booming.
"People want to feel good," explained Thomas, "so we've actually seen the most increase in our spa with massages and facials."
Thomas said that they have recently served more than 800 new clients, a sign that Flower's said is promising.
"It's good to see that [spending money on luxuries] come back because it helps you feel good about life. And it's also a big, big component of economic growth."
Wisteria's cliental has grown so much, "We can't keep up with the demand of people!" said Thomas. "Which is a good problem to have, it's not a problem it's great! "
Which doesn't just mean rejuvenation for your skin it's also for the job market..
"Because of the demand of people, we're having to fast track people through training and get them on the floor," explained Thomas.
Although pampering may be good for you and the economy don't forget to nourish your savings.
"A good healthy balance is going to be important because bad times will happen again," warned Flowers.
According to the AP Index the national score of economic stress is 10.5 out of 100. In Richland County it's calculated at 10.33.
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