Consumers say they're worse off but hopeful

Northwestern Financial Review, Aug 15-Aug 31, 2002

More Americans believe they are financially worse off now than they were a year ago, yet they remain hopeful about their future prospects according to a recent Gallop poll. The poll shows about 45 percent of Americans believe they are financially worse off now than they were a year ago, while 32 percent say their financial situation is better than a year ago.

Nevertheless, a majority of Americans - 67 percent - expect that they will be better off financially a year from now. Additionally, the poll shows that enthusiasm for investing in the stock market has waned in the last month, with most saying they think now is not a good time to invest.