A new poll finds that Americans remain mostly pessimistic about their economic prospects.

The poll found that since last month, the number of people who consider themselves not very or not at all secure in their jobs had doubled from seven percent to 14 percent.

Each month, the Reuters/Zogby index calculates the mood of the public based on a scoring system involving ten questions. Reuters indicates that a score above 100 would indicate an improved public mood since the poll began in July of 2007. This month's score was 90.5, down from last month's 93.3 and up from March's low of 87.7.

Just over three-quarters of those surveyed said they plan to cut back on holiday spending this year, although at least 71 percent said they expect the economy to better a year from now. Also, 47 percent of those surveyed said their own finances were in positive shape, down one point from last month.

"People appear to believe the economy has hit bottom and will climb in 2009. Optimism is a good thing for the economy, but it presents a political challenge for President-elect Obama," said pollster John Zogby, adding that Democrats will need to produce results for their economic agenda by the 2010 elections.

If your own financial situation could use a boost, one option could be to make payday loans a part of your strategy.

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