Poll Tracker

In the Pew poll, 64 percent said they believed "we can always find ways to solve problems" compared to 59 percent in December and, by a margin of 59 percent to 26 percent, respondents expected their personal finances will improve over the next year.

Ninety percent rated the economy as fair or poor compared to 9 percent who called it excellent or good, and those saying their personal finances were only fair or poor outnumbered those describing their status as excellent or good by 58 percent to 41 percent. Forty-six percent believed their financial status will be better a year from now compared to 30 percent who said it will be the same and 16 percent who predicted it will get worse.

Fifty-nine percent of Americans have cut back vacation plans an increase of 11 points over September. Nine percent have changed their investment and savings strategies, are delaying major purchases and putting off home purchases or improvements.

Americans were split on whether government regulation of business is needed to protect the public interest with 50 percent saying it's necessary compared to 49 percent who oppose it.

Seventy-nine percent blamed the current crisis on people taking on too much debt, 72 percent on banks for making risky loans and 46 percent on week government regulation.

A Gallup poll conducted Oct. 10-12 found that 56 percent of Americans said they had been hurt financially a great deal or moderate amount by the economic crisis while 33 percent said not much or not at all. But the number who said they had been hurt a great deal rose 9 points since the end of September and those saying not much or not at all dropped 11 points.

Most Americans believe that the damage from recent weeks will do long term harm to their personal financial situation. That view is hold by 63 percent of Republicans, 70 percent of independents and 76 percent of Democrats. Seventy-seven percent of those earning less than $30,000 a year believe long term harm will result, and that view is held by 70 percent of those earning between $30,000 and $75,000, and 67 percent of those earning over $75,000 a year.

A Rasmussen Reports poll conducted Oct. 13-14 says 62 percent of Americans believe that stock market values will be higher five years from now than they are today. On the government's move to take equity positions in banks, 42 percent believe it will make these institutions safer and 32 percent say they will be less safe.