A recent survey finds that consumers are heading into the new year with a closer eye on their spending habits than in recent memory.

A recent Gallup Poll finds that as of early January, American consumers were spending an average of $58 per day, down from just over $100 per day last summer.

Much of the current figure may be due to the post-holiday season, where many consumers continue to cut back amid one of the most dismal shopping seasons in decades. Personal spending levels were as low as $55 per day for a time last March, but have not approached those lows since then.

Gallup also noted that consumer spending averaged $69 per day last January after the holiday season, suggesting that a good portion of the current spending slowdown is due more to the economy and higher unemployment rates.

The polling company's report notes that weak consumer spending can be a sign of continued struggles in the economy, with so much of the nation's economy dependent on consumer spending.

For those having trouble making ends meet in the current economic climate, payday loans can be part of an effective financial strategy.

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