Bucks Blog: The People Who Are Spending More This Season

Associated PressBlack Friday shoppers rush into Valley River Center mall in Eugene, Ore.

As Cyber Monday unfolds, consumers seem a bit more comfortable with spending this holiday season, according to an annual survey.

Twelve percent of those surveyed said they would spend more this year, compared with 8 percent last year, according to the survey, which was commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America and the Credit Union National Association.

At the same time, the percentage who said they would spend less declined to 38 percent from 41 percent, the survey found.

ORC International conducted the survey of 1,012 adults by land line and cellphone from Nov. 9-13.

The results indicate continued gradual improvement in holiday spending plans since a sharp decline four years ago, said Bill Hampel, chief economist for the CUNA, in a statement.

The intention of consumers to increase holiday spending may reflect improvement in their financial situation. From 2011 to 2012, the percentage who said their financial situation was better rose from 19 to 24.

Many families, however, remain strapped. Only half (49 percent) said they had extra money to pay for an unexpected expense of $1,000.

What are your spending plans for the holidays this year?

Article source: http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/the-people-who-are-spending-more-this-season/?partner=rss&emc=rss