If You're Average, You'll Spend $98 Today

If you're like most consumers, according to a recent Gallup poll, you reported spending an average of $98 in May. That's $10 higher than April, and the highest monthly average seen since early 2008.

Historically, consumer spending in May tends to be higher than in most other months, as people pile up expenses related to the start of summer—yard work, spring cleaning, barbecues, etc. December is usually a close second, what with holiday parties and gift shopping. Sure enough, the most recent three-day average high for spending was measured over Memorial Day weekend (daily spending: $134), followed by a trio of days right before Christmas 2013 (daily spending: $129).

Since 2009, when consumer spending in May was measured at just $63, there's been a consistent increase, rising to $90 in May 2013 before hitting $98 this year. In the big picture, the trend may be viewed as an indication of an economy on the upswing—especially when other data, including improving confidence among small and big businesses alike, are factored in.

Another interesting indicator is that the national birth rate, which has fallen over the course of five years and has been viewed as a sign of larger economic strife and uncertainty, appears to have hit bottom. Births were up slightly in 2013 compared to the year before, an indicator that people have been feeling (slightly) better about bringing a baby into the world lately, even with all of the costs and responsibilities of being a parent.