Americans Tapped into Savings to Get By during Downturn

A new Hartford Financial Services Group survey found that 27% of Americans have had to take withdrawals from savings, investment, or retirement accounts to get by.

 

A Hartford news release said another 7% took out a loan from a retirement or bank account, 11% borrowed money from friends or family, and 3% sold their home.

One in four consumers said they have just enough money to meet basic living expenses, according to The Hartford’s survey. More than half of respondents (61%) said they would have to make significant changes to their lifestyle if they were to lose income for three to six months.

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Hartford also reported that the poor economy has translated into extra work and stress for Americans. Twenty-four percent of those surveyed said they have additional work or an increased workload, and 17% said they feel as though they need to put in more hours at work. Almost three-quarters of Americans (72%) feel moderately stressed, with one third feeling “very” or “extremely stressed.”

When asked how stress is impacting their work environment, respondents’ top answer was having less patience with co-workers (38%), followed by taking longer to complete work (19%), and taking work home to finish (19%).

Meanwhile, the poll showed that benefits participation rose in 2010 over the previous year, including an increase of more than 10% in disability insurance. The number of employees with short-term disability insurance rose from 41% in 2009 to 55% in 2010, and the percentage of workers with long-term disability insurance increased from 36% last year to 47% this year.

The Hartford surveyed 1,000 full-time workers in April about the economy’s impact on work and home life.

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