Feeling wallet-weary

Who says we’re in a recovery?

In a poll of 1,000 Americans, just 17% said their financial situation is improving, compared with 27% in May. Nearly a third said their finances are in worse shape than they were a year ago.

When asked about assets, 30% believe their net worth is lower than it was a year ago and only 19% believe it is higher — a drop from 26% in July.

Nearly half of those polled feel less comfortable about their savings compared with a year ago. Just 11% feel more comfortable — a new low — down from 19% in January.

In fact, nearly one in five working Americans have tapped into their retirement account for an emergency within the past year, said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com, which commissioned the survey.

“The weakness in the economy, stagnant household income, an ailing housing sector and volatility in the stock market are all undermining … feelings of financial security,” he said.

Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed said they feel less comfortable about debt than they did a year ago. That’s skewed slightly toward younger people; 31% of those under 30 are less comfortable with debt, versus 23% of those 65 and over.

One bit of good news from the poll (for waiters, at least): Most people haven’t changed their tipping habits and 9% reported tipping more due to the tough times. Just 16% said they are inclined to tip less.

The poll was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International.