More consumers are planning to spend more money during theholiday season than the previous year despite a high level ofconcern over the federal government's budget battles, according tothe annual holiday spending survey conducted by CUNA and the Consumer Federation of America.

In total, 1,002 individuals were interviewed by landline or cellphone during the period of Nov. 7-10. The poll's margin oferror is plus or minus three percentage points.

For this year, 13% said they would spend more compared to 12% in2012. Those who said they would spend less decreased from 38% in2012 to 32% this year.

“Last year in terms of forecast we said that based on our surveyresults we predicted spending growth of somewhere between 3 and ahalf and four percent. The actual result last year was an increaseof 3.6%,” said Bill Hampel, chief economist at CUNA, when the survey results were released on Wednesday at theNational Press Club.

“Based on this survey, we'll use the same prediction that we didlast year – that holiday spending this year will increase bybetween 3 and a half and four percent over last year'sresults.”

Some of the questions asked of participants included whether ornot recent controversies over federal government spending andborrowing had affected their holiday spending plans. Inresponse, 51% said that their plans were affected, 18% said verymuch, 16% said somewhat and 16% said a little.

The majority of individuals surveyed who said they were affectedby the federal government shutdown came from households earningunder $50,000 per year at 59% while 37% lived in households earningover $100,000.

According to the results announced at the National Press Club,24% said their financial situation was better than last year while29% said it was worse. CUNA and CFA said this was the smallest gapsince they began asking the question in 2009. In 2011, the gap was18% with 19% saying their situation was better and 37% saying itwas worse.

“These data are evidence of economic recovery, however modest,”said CFA Executive Director Stephen Brobeck.

“It is also encouraging that fewer Americans see their economicstatus as worsening, despite ongoing federal budget issues inWashington,” said Hampel.