The Bulletin Poll: Economic Squeeze
Source: AARP Bulletin Today | From the June 2008 print edition
How have recent changes in the economy affected you or your family? During the past 12 months have you…
| Question |
Yes Responses Overall |
Age 45-49 |
Age 50-64 |
Age 65+ |
| Found it more difficult to pay for essential items (e.g. food, gas, medicine) |
66% |
70% |
69% |
59% |
| Found it more difficult to pay for utilities |
53% |
53% |
57% |
47% |
| Found it more difficult to pay your mortgage or rent |
26% |
38% |
29% |
15% |
| Found it more difficult to pay for educational expenses |
20% |
40% |
21% |
7% |
| Postponed plans to travel |
47% |
56% |
52% |
35% |
| Postponed a major purchase |
46% |
59% |
52% |
30% |
| Postponed paying some bills |
20% |
29% |
23% |
12% |
| Reduced number of times you eat out |
62% |
76% |
67% |
46% |
| Reduced spending on entertainment |
61% |
71% |
67% |
45% |
| Decided not to change jobs |
19% |
37% |
24% |
3% |
| Postponed plans to retire |
16% |
19% |
23% |
6% |
| Spouse postponed plans to retire |
16% |
16% |
21% |
6% |
| Prematurely withdrawn funds from 401(k), IRA or other investments |
23% |
22% |
26% |
19% |
| Postponed selling your house |
10% |
10% |
11% |
9% |
| Moved to smaller home or apartment |
8% |
7% |
7% |
9% |
| Stopped putting money into 401(k), IRA or other retirement fund |
33% |
27% |
33% |
36% |
| Increased number of hours at work |
19% |
31% |
24% |
4% |
| Cut back on medications |
14% |
20% |
14% |
10% |
| Took on a second job |
8% |
15% |
10% |
1% |
| Spouse got a second job |
5% |
3% |
8% |
2% |
| Made changes to home to remain there longer |
29% |
29% |
32% |
25% |
Randomized phone survey of 1,002 adults age 45 and over conducted by Woelfel Research Inc. between April 12 and April 23, 2008.
More In Personal Finance
Most Popular in Personal Finance
preview