In a survey of 1,000 people, Putnam Investments found the majority expect the economy to rebound in 2010 but that they are still planning to save more in the New Year.
In fact, old standby New Year’s resolutions such as losing weight or exercising more took a back seat this year to saving more, cited by 36%. This edged out exercising more (34%) and weight control (34%).
Sixty-three percent believe the stock market will rise in 2010, and 52% were more hopeful about their own financial situation, but 57% think consumer spending will remain muted and only 40% expect the U.S. economy will be “much healthier” in 2010.
Employment for the entire nation remains top-of-mind, with 32% saying they hoped to see job growth in the coming year, followed by 18% citing U.S. economic growth. Only 14% want the healthcare reform bill to pass.
“People are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and think that both the economy and their personal finances will start to rebound in 2010,” said Mark McKenna, director of communications at Putnam. “Americans have a long history of picking themselves up and getting back in the race, and we’re seeing a genuine, and realistic, optimism take hold across the country as people work hard to save and invest for the future.”
