More spending?

A new Harris Poll suggests Americans are willing to open their wallets a little more in 2010 — but not by much.

It seems that Americans are finally seeing some of the economic signs the economists are talking about and are feeling more optimistic, according to Harris. The polling company conducted an online survey of 2,276 adults between Dec. 4-17.

Three in five Americans (62%) say they are still likely to decrease spending on eating out in restaurants over the next six months, which is down from the 67% who said so in September. Just under three in five (58%) say they will reduce spending on entertainment, also down from 67% who said this in September. Both of these are now at the lowest levels since November of 2008.

“While these numbers are somewhat encouraging, it is important to note that they represent only a small movement over the numbers from September. The true test will be whether these continue to move in this direction or not,” noted the Harris statement.

SURVEY FINDINGS
• Over one-third of adults (35%) say they will take a vacation away from home lasting longer than a week. This is up from 28% who said they would be vacation bound in September.

• One-quarter of adults (23%) say they will buy a new computer in the next six months compared to 19% who said so a few months ago.

• Also, 17% say they are likely to move to a different residence (up from 14%) and 12% are likely to buy or lease a newly manufactured car, truck or van in the next six months (up from 12%).

• And still other items show no movement from September: 8% are likely to purchase a house or condo, 7% are likely to start a new business, and 4% are likely to buy a boat or recreational vehicle.

• When it comes to having more money to spend the way they want, 27% of Americans say they are likely to have that in the next six months compared to 25% in September.

• More than half of U.S. adults (53%) say they will have more money to save or invest while 50% said the same in September.