---
title: "Americans Tighten Their Belts"
description: "Many Americans are delaying or cancelling spending, including nearly six-in-ten who have cut back on vacation spending."
date: "2008-10-16"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2008/10/16/americans-tighten-their-belts/"
---

# Americans Tighten Their Belts

While Americans have not become as negative on their personal finances as they have on the nation’s economy, many are not spending as much as a result of the current economy, including nearly six-in-ten (59%) who have cut back on vacation spending. Three weeks ago, 48% reported doing so. Another 55% report that they are eating out less often as a result of the current economic situation and 36% have delayed buying a new car. In addition to reduced spending, about half of the public (48%) has changed the way their money is saved or invested because of what’s been happening with the economy lately. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/992/public-worried-but-not-panicked-about-economy)