Consumer Confidence on Shine

Will the outcome of the election affect your consumer confidence?

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Shopzilla conducted a poll of more than 2,100 Americans, asking whether the outcome of the election will make them more confident consumers in these troubled economic times. Most said the results will have an effect, but, not surprisingly,...

Consumer confidence: What are you worried about?

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Looks like more and more of us are seeing the glass as half-empty. Consumer confidence is at the lowest it's been in 26 years.

For many, economic woes are an immediate reality, with food, fuel, jobs and housing making every day a struggle. For others, jobs are currently intact, mortgages are being paid, and while the food and fuel bills are unpleasant, they haven't yet broken the bank. Of those who aren't in financial crisis, many are still worried about what's coming around the bend, so they're cutting back and preparing for the worst.

My husband and I still have our jobs and we're fortunate that our mortgage is locked in for 30 years, but I'm definitely concerned.

Money poll: Is your confidence shaken?

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The fact that consumer confidence is taking a hit is not so surprising when you consider that fuel prices keep rising and home prices keep dropping and news from Wall Street is about job losses to come. The Conference Board, a business group that measures consumers confidence on several economic fronts, has not seen such low expectations since March 2003, just before the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Where do you stand on the worry line? Take some time to ponder today's Shine money poll and answer these questions when you