Staking Out the Stats

BELLEVUE, Wash. – A recent consumer study finds that Americans are adjusting their saving, spending and budgeting practices to match their current financial situation. According to the Coinstar National Currency Poll, overall, nearly half or more of respondents report they are taking active steps towards better managing their household budgets in light of their current economic situation. Here is a look at other ways consumers are saving and spending: * Some 75.8% of Americans say they are setting spending limits, while 67.8% are keeping better track of their spending overall. * 61% report they are using charge/credit cards less today than in the past. * 58.6% of respondents say their current financial situation has prompted them to spend less with only 26.7% saying they are actually spending more. * 56.7% report they are saving less today than in the past with those most likely to cut back on saving are those with an annual household income of $25,000 to $49,000. * 76.4% continue to rely on their checkbooks and statements to manage their budget and finances followed by online bill pay 31.6%; cashing in accumulated change 28.9%; and mortgage re-financing 17.2%