7/9: 77% of NYS Voters Know Someone Who’s Lost Job

In a poll that suggests the vast repercussions of the economic crisis, 77% of New York State registered voters say they personally know someone who has lost their job in the last 6 months. ©istockphoto.com/NoahGolan More voters in New York City and in the suburbs say they know someone who has lost his/her job during that timeframe.  82% of city voters and 79% of those in the suburbs report this to be the case.  This compares with 74% Upstate. Slight differences are also apparent among income groups.  82% of people with an income of $100,000 or more say they know someone who’s joined the ranks... 

4/28: Talking to Kids About Money

With the recession dominating daily headlines, few people are immune to the stress that accompanies today’s tough economic times.  But, for parents who are having a difficult time making ends meet, does talking to their children about money problems add to or reduce the stress?  For nearly six in ten Americans, talking to kids about money increases family anxiety while 28% say it alleviates it. ©istockphoto.com/madisonwi More younger Americans than older Americans believe discussing financial matters with their children is an added stress.  71% of residents under age 45 and 51% of those 45... 

Cluing Kids In About Cash: An Interview

Talking to children about money can present its own set of problems.  What’s the appropriate age to discuss money matters with your kids?  And, how can you teach them financial responsibility? Carol Anne Riddell Parenting and Education Reporter Carol Anne Riddell shared some of her insights with the Marist Poll’s John Sparks.  Read the transcript of the full interview below. John Sparks Carol Anne, what do you think is a good age to start talking to children about money? Listen to Part 1 of the Interview: Carol Anne Riddell Well, it’s an interesting thing. I think that you... 

Kids and Money: Lessons from the Past and Dealing with the Present

Any parent reading the interview with Carol Anne Riddell about talking to kids about money, can’t help picking up some very valuable tips in teaching their children about handling finances. John Sparks Carol Anne suggested if we teach our sons and daughters how to handle money responsibly at an early age, they might avoid falling into some of the pitfalls we find ourselves in today — most notably borrowing ourselves out of house and home with no means of repaying our debts. Talking to Carol Anne brought back memories of my childhood and valuable lessons I learned about money from my parents. I... 

4/15: Lending Money — All In the Family?

If you’ve been asked for a loan, you’re not alone.  In fact, a majority of Americans — 57% — say a friend or family member has asked to borrow money from them.  So, who are the borrowers? ©istockphoto.com/jgroup Usually, it’s a brother or sister, according to 30% of those who say they have been approached for a loan.  A child or grandchild sought money from 21% of would-be lenders.   And, nearly 1 in 5 — 19% — has been approached by a friend. Does your income influence who may ask you for money?  25% of those making less than $50,000 a year who were asked for... 

4/15: Americans Cutting Spending In Time of Economic Crisis

Not surprisingly, most Americans have significantly cut back on their spending and nearly everyone has been looking for ways to be more cost-conscious during these tough economic times.  61% of families report they have recently had to dramatically cut the family budget. ©istockphoto.com/dra_schwartz Struggling to make ends meet through this recession has taken a bite out of how and what we eat.  From frills to staples, a staggering 87% of American families have rethought their eating habits and the food they buy in order to reduce costs. Table: Significantly Cutting Back Table: Cutback At Least... 

4/14: Tax Time — Eight in Ten File Early

Will procrastination pay off? Although one in five Americans wait until the final moments to file their taxes, 80% do not wait, according to the latest Marist Poll.  In fact, the proportion of early filers increases when looking at U.S. residents who expect to get a refund.  89% of those lucky Americans say they mail in their returns prior to the deadline.  But, early birds aren’t necessarily spread out across the country.  Residents in the West are more likely to wait to file their taxes than are Americans in other parts of the country.  29% report they hold out until April 15th to mail... 

Debt Consolidation

2009 ushered in an increase in consumer debt after three consecutive months of decline in the fourth quarter of last year.  But, for many families struggling with job loss, declining wages or housing values, there is a need to find options to relieve the pressures of mounting debt. ©istockphoto.com/DNY59 In a Marist Poll conducted in March 2009, 21% of Americans report they have looked into consolidating or refinancing their debt or outstanding loans.  Interestingly, nearly three in ten households with a family income of $100,000 or more have explored this avenue for cutting costs.  This includes... 

Season’s Spending? Many Americans Cutting Costs

More then two-thirds of Americans say they are spending less this holiday season. 68% of residents nationally report they are cutting costs, including 32% who say they are reducing their spending by a great deal and another 36% who are cutting back somewhat. 14% report they aren’t changing their shopping habits all that much while 18% say they aren’t reducing their purchases at all. Not surprisingly, households earning less are spending less. Read the full post  Read More →

NYC Residents Talk Turkey: Thanksgiving Traditions ‘08

A significant number of New Yorkers who will celebrate Thanksgiving this year are tightening their belts. 47% say they are slashing some or much of their spending while only about one in five are minimally cutting their costs. 34% report their Thanksgiving spending habits are staying the same. Read the full post  Read More →

National Poll: Making Ends Meet

Most Americans believe the country is in an economic recession: 78% of Americans think the U.S. economy is in a recession. People who live in the eastern part of the country are most likely to share this view. Many Americans are having difficulty making ends meet: 65% of Americans say they worry that their income will not be enough to meet their bills and expenses either always or sometimes. People with a family income of less than $50,000 a year are especially hard hit. Read the full post  Read More →

National Poll: Gas Prices Stall Summer Vacation Plans

Although many Americans will get away this summer, as gas prices continue to rise, the majority are planning shorter getaways: 63% of Americans plan to take a summer vacation but gas prices are one factor in the plans they are making. 55% of vacationers have opted to take several shorter weekend getaways instead of the traditional long summer retreat. Money matters. Americans with incomes under $50,000 are least likely to be planning a summer break. And among those lucky enough to get away, Americans with lower incomes are most likely to be planning shorter trips. Read the full post  Read More →