More Americans are watching their pennies

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American spending habits are evolving along with each lurch of the economy, experts said.

More than 80% of consumers are more aware now than they were three months ago of how they wield their pocketbooks, according to a survey released today by Bank of America and Dan Ariely, a Duke University behavioral economics professor.

More than three-quarters are spending less money as a result of the economy, and more than half said they are not able to save.

Respondents who were better positioned to save money reported doing more pre-purchase research and comparison shopping. They were also more inclined to ask for advice before buying, and often dined and entertained at home. And most of them said they were already contributing less to their savings accounts

Nine in 10 Americans said they embrace coupon-clipping and other promotional offers. Nearly 40% of consumers reported looking for discounts online, spending about 75 minutes searching for the best deals.

-- Tiffany Hsu