The Bulletin Poll: Economic Squeeze
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| Prematurely withdrawn funds from 401(k), IRA or other investments |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.
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