Are you planning to eat out less and cut back on your entertainment spending? If so, you're in good company.
A recent Harris Poll showed 61 percent of U.S. adults say they'll likely spend less in restaurants, while 58 percent say they'll cut back on entertainment during the next six months.
Those sentiments haven't changed much over the past three years, according to Harris, which has been tracking Americans' spending and savings habits. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,499 adults surveyed online between Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 by Harris Interactive. The latest responses are similar to those from a similar survey conducted in May.
But despite cutting back on some nonessentials, Americans don't plan to save or invest much either, according to the poll.
Of the Americans polled about saving or investing in the coming six months, 51 percent say they are likely to, and 49 percent say they are unlikely to do so. Those numbers have remained pretty constant since November 2008, when 49 percent said they would save or invest more money.
Other areas where Americans say they are unlikely to spend money in the next six months, according to the poll:
-- 71 percent are unlikely to be taking a vacation lasting longer than a week.
-- 97 percent are unlikely to be buying a boat or recreational vehicle.
-- 88 percent say they likely won't be buying or leasing a new automobile.
-- 93 percent likely won't be buying a house or condo.
-- 94 percent likely won't be starting a new business.
-- 77 percent of Americans say they won't be buying a new computer.
-- And as the gift-giving season approaches, 74 percent of Americans say they are unlikely to have more money to spend.
As the economy fluctuates, Americans will continue to feel pessimistic about employment prospects, poll officials said. "Americans will likely continue to hold back on spending until they feel more comfortable."
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