Too broke for cell phones, hair dye? Never

There are some things people are unwilling to do without, no matter how tight their money is. In a recent survey of U.S. adults, a whopping 64.4% said they consider basic cell phone service "untouchable" -- off-limits when it comes to spending cuts. That number rose to 70% among those who earn $50,000 or more.

What else is considered a must-have? Internet service is for 81.5%. Nearly 61% said they couldn't survive without basic cable or satellite TV (compared with only 26.9% who believe the premium package is sacrosanct). 

Nearly half of women (46.9%) won't give up a hair cut and/or coloring (for men, 37.1%). Post continues after video.

"The economy is barely afloat, but at least our hair looks great," wrote Ryan MacClanathan of msnbc.com.

The items were on a list adults were asked to rate as either "expendable" or "untouchable" in December for BIGresearch's American Pulse Survey (.pdf file), sponsored by Stores magazine. "Given the current economic situation, we want to know what you can and cannot live without," the survey said.

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Not surprisingly, we're willing to do without high-end dining, designer purses, maid service, and paying someone else to take care of the lawn. Among the other results:

• Mobile/cell phone service (text, video and Internet): Only 31.2% considered a cell phone's bells and whistles untouchable. However, among those between 18 and 34 years of age, 47.9% said they wouldn't give them up. Among those 55 and up, that dropped to 15.8%.
• Upgraded mobile device (cell phone, smart phone, wireless laptop, iPad, e-reader, iPod Touch, etc.): Just over 77% considered these expendable.
• Manicure/pedicure: expendable, 88.4%. So while we may not skimp on the hair, we're willing to DIY on nail care.
• Charitable contributions: Overall, 38.4% considered this untouchable. That rose to 46.3% among the older folks.
• Discount shopping for apparel: All told, this was rated untouchable by 52.2%, compared with the 25.2% who said they couldn't give up department store shopping for clothes.
• Organic foods: untouchable, 17%. That rose to about 23% among those 18 to 34 years of age, but didn't vary much depending on income. 
• Daily cup of gourmet coffee: expendable, just over 83%.  

In another sign that things are looking up, the percentage of untouchable ratings for many items on the list increased since 2009.

What would be on your untouchable list if tough times hit your household?

More from MSN Money:

• It's no longer just a 'mancession'
• I have 'frugal fatigue' fatigue
• Frugal failure: When DIY goes wrong
• Do extreme couponers go too far?
• 21 ways to cut expenses in retirement
• Expect higher food prices this year