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69% Say Those Struggling With Mortgage Should Sell, Buy Cheaper Home

While most Americans agree now is not the best time to sell a home, they feel stronger than ever that those struggling to pay their mortgage should sell their home and buy a cheaper one rather than receive help from the government.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that just 19% believe the government should assist those struggling homeowners in making their mortgage payments. Sixty-nine percent (69%) think someone who can’t afford to make increased mortgage payments should sell their home and find a less expensive one. That’s up three points from January and the highest finding in nearly two years of regular tracking. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Housing Confidence Stalls After Early 2012 Gains

Confidence among homeowners in housing values has fallen back slightly after several months of steady gains.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Homeowners shows that 50% now say their home is worth more than what they still owe on their mortgage. That’s down from a recent high of 57% last month and more like results measured during much of 2011. Thirty-six percent (36%) now owe more than what their house is worth, also more similar to last year’s findings. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 731 Adult Homeowners was conducted on March 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

26% Willing to Pay Higher Taxes To Reduce Federal Deficit

Most voters believe Americans are already overtaxed, but adults are slightly more willing to pay higher taxes to reduce the federal budget deficit.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 26% would be willing to pay higher taxes to help reduce the federal budget deficit. Most (64%) are not willing to pay more in taxes to reduce the deficit. (To see survey question wording, click here).

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

New High: 47% Confident Fed Can Control Inflation

While voters remain overwhelmingly concerned about inflation and expect to pay more at the grocery store, they have more confidence than ever that the Federal Reserve Board can keep inflation under control.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident the Fed will be able to keep inflation under control and interest rates down.  That’s up from 41% in early February and the highest level measured since regular tracking began in late July 2009.  Prior to this survey, the number who felt this way has remained in the low to mid 30s for most of 2011 but rose to 40% in December and has remained in the low 40s since.

Forty-eight percent (48%) still lack confidence in the Fed, but that's the first time this finding has fallen believe 50% in nearly three years. The new findings include 11% who are Very Confident in the Fed and 16% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Favor Taxing All At The Same Percentage Rate

Most Americans continue to think the middle class pays more than its share in taxes and favor a system where everyone pays the same percentage of their income.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults now support an across-the-board income tax percentage. Support for a simplified system like this has been growing from 44% in April 2009 to 55% this time last year. Thirty-one percent (31%) oppose a system where everyone pays the same percentage in taxes. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% Still Haven’t Filed Their Income Taxes

The pace of filing has slowed a bit, and a lot more taxpayers are thinking about getting an extension beyond the April 15 deadline.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Americans now say they’ve filed their income taxes this year, up 10 points from three weeks ago. However,  51% had filed by this time last year.

Most taxpayers (54%) have not filed yet this year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on March 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Are Confident in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the nation's banks remains well below where it was before the Wall Street meltdown in the fall of 2008, but most Americans still consider them a safe place to keep their money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes just six percent (6%) who are Very Confident. Most adults (51%) continue to lack confidence in America's banks, with 16% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

76% Favor Maximum Tax Payment of 20%

Nearly half of U.S. voters still think the average person in this country pays 30% or more of their income in taxes, and instead they believe overwhelmingly that the ceiling for those taxes should be 20% at the most.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 30%% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that the average American pays 30% of their income for federal, state and local taxes. That is a fairly good estimate. According to www.taxfoundation.org, Americans pay approximately 28% of their total income in taxes.

Fifteen percent (15%) overestimate how much the average American pays and believe the actual tax paid is 40% or more.

Three times as many, 47%, underestimate the tax burden and believe the average American pays 20% or less of their income in taxes. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Think Employers Have Right to Fire Those Who Post Inappropriate Facebook Content

Some companies and colleges are requiring applicants to provide full access to their Facebook pages, and most Americans don’t like the idea. However, one-in-three think it's okay for employers to fire workers who post inappropriate content on the social networking site.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 19% believe it would be appropriate for a potential employer to ask for access to their Facebook page as part of the hiring process. Most (69%) don’t believe this is appropriate, while 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 8-9, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Worry Government Will Do Too Much Trying To Help Economy

Amidst signs the economy is reviving at least slightly, most voters now fear the government may mess things up by getting too involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now worry the federal government will do too much in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems. Thirty-six percent (36%) are more concerned that the government will not do enough. Twelve percent (12%) now are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on March 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Think America Is Overtaxed

Most voters still say this country is overtaxed, and half think any federal tax increase should be submitted to the public for a vote.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters believe America is overtaxed. But that’s down from 66% two years ago and 64% last year. One-out-of-three (33%) now believe the country is not overtaxed, while another 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 7-8, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Expect To Earn More Money A Year From Now

An increasing number of working Americans expect to earn more money a year from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Employed Adults think they will be earning more money a year from today, up from an all-time low of 30% in January and the highest level measured since November 2010.  Thirteen percent (13%) believe they will earn less in a year’s time, while 38% expect to be making about the same amount. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 606 Employed Adults was conducted on March 2-3, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% See Current Company As Best Chance For Advancement

Slightly fewer working Americans feel their best opportunity for career advancement is to stay put, and a few more are searching for work outside of their current company.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Employed Adults say they have a better opportunity for career advancement by staying within their current company.  That’s down from 47% in early January and the lowest level measured since July of last year.  Thirty-three percent (33%) feel going to work for someone else gives them more opportunity to get ahead. Twenty-five percent (25%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 606 Employed Adults was conducted on March 2-3, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% See U.S. Debt Default As Somewhat Likely

Looking overseas at the catastrophic economic problems plaguing Greece and other European nations, a sizable number of Americans still think the United States is also a candidate for default in the near future. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of American Adults believe it is at least somewhat likely that the U.S. government will default on its debt in the next five years. Forty-eight percent (48%) now rate a national debt default as unlikely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Rasmussen Employment Index Hits Highest Level Since 2008 Financial Crisis

The Rasmussen Employment Index, which measures workers’ perceptions of the labor market each month, jumped seven points in February to its highest level since September 2008. At 87.7, the index is up 11 points from three months ago and nine points from a year ago. The Employment Index is also nearly four points higher than the level measured in November 2010, which represented the peak of the post-bailout era. Worker confidence is less than half-a-point below the level measured just before the financial sector meltdown in late 2008.

13% Say U.S. Should Take Bigger Role Helping European Economy

More Americans than ever expect one of the financially troubled European countries to default on its debt in the near future, but few believe the United States should step up its efforts to help the situation. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 75% believe it is at least somewhat likely that that one of the economically troubled European countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal or Spain will default on its debt in the next five years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

24% Owe More on Their Credit Cards Now Than A Year Ago

One-in-four credit cardholders owes more money now than they did a year ago, but the number who’ve missed a payment hasn’t increased over the past year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of Americans who have at least one credit card say they owe more than they did 12 months ago, but 42% say they owe less now. Thirty-two percent (32%) say their level of debt is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 27-28, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 27% Think Government Management Helps Economy

A major partisan divide exists over whether government efforts to manage the economy do more harm than good. Overall, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 27% of American Adults believe government management helps the economy, while 50% think it hurts. Six percent (6%) say it has no impact, and 17% are not sure. (see question wording)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.  

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 25-26, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Think Budget Cuts Should Be Considered in Every Government Program

Most voters continue to believe that no government program should be exempt when it comes to budget cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of Likely U.S. Voters say thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government as the nation searches for solutions to the federal budget crises. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, and 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Say Free Market Competition Better Than Regulations At Controlling Gas Prices

Most Americans don’t believe rising gas prices reflect actual market conditions, but a majority says free market competition is better than government regulations at keeping prices down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 24% think rising gas prices accurately reflect market conditions. Sixty-seven percent (67%) believe oil companies use bad news to gouge customers. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 23-24, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.