Americans More Optimistic For Future; But Continuing To Struggle, Finds Survey

(RTTNews) - The Allstate Corp. (ALL) reported that the 22nd quarterly Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll has revealed that nearly four-in-five Americans (78 percent) are realizing savings at the pump, and 58 percent of them are using these savings to cover basic necessities (31 percent) or to pay off/avoid debt (27 percent). Nearly one third of Americans (32 percent) stated that the decline in gas prices has had a huge or significant difference in their personal financial situations.

In addition, more than half of Americans (55 percent) expect to receive a refund on their taxes in the current year and nearly four-in-ten (37 percent) of them will use their refund to pay off debt.

The Heartland Monitor poll surveyed Americans' attitudes, expectations, and personal financial situations amidst lower gas prices and as the country approaches the height of tax season.