BOSTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Massachusetts residents say they are deeply concerned about the souring U.S. economy, a poll indicates.
The Boston Globe reported Sunday that respondents also said they are bracing for lean times by cutting back on personal travel and meals out, the Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll showed.
The newspaper reported that more than half the 400 people polled said they are nervous about almost every aspect of their personal finances.
About 77 percent said they are somewhat or very concerned about the safety of their investments, 59 percent said they are worried about paying heating bills, 31 percent fear they won't be able to keep up with mortgage payments, and 23 percent fear their jobs may be in jeopardy.
"People are hunkering down. They're taping their financial windows and doors shut," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University. He said the poll's results show "the first impact of the financial meltdown."
On the Wall Street bailout plan pending in Congress, only 29 percent say they support the White House's $700 billion proposal.
The poll, conducted between Monday and Thursday, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent.
