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August 29, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Solid majorities of Americans are pessimistic about the current direction of the country and believe their own actions determine their financial well-being.
These findings are drawn from The Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll, which over three years has sought to understand the American experience and attitudes on the changing economy and to give voice to the concerns and views of middle class Americans. Conducted by Ed Reilly and Jeremy Ruch of FTI Strategic Communications, a communications-strategy consulting firm, the poll surveyed between 1,000 and 1,200 adults.
According to the poll, 57% of Americans are pessimistic about the current direction of the country. And 60% believe that their own financial well-being is determined by their actions and not events out of their control.
Among the poll’s additional findings:
• Nearly one-in-five (17%) Americans say they have a hard time making ends meet each month. Another 52% indicate that while they get by each month, they find it is difficult to save and invest for the future.
• A plurality (44%) of Americans expect that their financial situation will improve by next year, with only around one-in-ten (12%) indicating that they think they will be worse off.
