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WASHINGTON – A new poll has found a bright spot amid the gloom of the recession: Americans are feeling relieved that they are getting a handle on their debt loads.
In recent months, official figures have showed U.S. consumers cutting their spending, putting more money aside and reducing their debt levels. The result is a growing optimism among Americans that they are getting more control over their financial lives, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll.
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The survey found the number of Americans stressed over debt this year is 12 percent lower than it was last year. “People now have some optimism that the worst is behind them,’’ Paul J. Lavrakas, a psychologist who analyzed the results for The AP, told the news service.
The number of people saying they were “somewhat concerned” they would never be able to pay off their total debt fell from 33 percent last year to 27 percent.
Of course, the nation’s newfound thriftiness has a downside – the lack of consumer spending is one of the forces driving the recession. Over the long term, however, most economists say that bringing household balance sheets back into balance is a key part of putting the country on firmer financial footing.
In addition, the poll found 48 percent of Americans say the country is headed in the right direction, more than double the amount – 18 percent – who felt that way last year.
