(MONEY Magazine) – The experts say the recession ended last year. But what do you say? Are you confident enough to spend more? Or are you still marshaling your money to pay down debt? Are you saving more? But investing less? Let us know by circling your responses to the following questions. And feel free to add your own comments below or separately. Please return the poll to us either by fax (212-522-0119) or by mail (MONEY, May Readers' Poll, Room 32-38, Time & Life Building, Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y. 10020). We will publish the results in an upcoming issue.

1. What did you do during the past year? a) Spent a little more b) Spent a lot more c) Cut spending a little d) Cut spending a lot e) No change

2. Did you save . . . a) More money than usual? b) The same as usual? c) Less than usual?

3. Do you plan to spend more in the next six months? a) Yes b) No c) Don't know

4. Circling as many choices as apply, tell us if you plan to spend on: a) Vacations b) New home c) Home improvements d) Appliances e) Automobiles f) Furniture g) Clothes h) Eating out more i) Medical care or dental work j) Entertainment such as theater, movies and concerts k) Household help l) Charitable contributions m) Paying down debt faster n) Other o) None of the above

5. Do you plan to save more in the next six months? a) Yes b) No c) Don't know

6. If yes, for what will you be saving? Circle as many choices as apply. a) Retirement b) New home c) The children's education d) New car e) Appliances f) Furniture g) Vacations h) Medical care or dental work i) Other

7. Do you plan to invest more in the next six months? a) Yes b) No c) Don't know

8. If you intend to invest more, where will you put the most money? a) Mutual funds b) Stocks c) Bonds d) Certificates of deposit e) Annuities/insurance f) Real estate g) Other

9. Would you have a problem coming up with the money to pay an unexpected $1,000 bill? a) A very big problem b) A fairly big problem c) Not too big a problem d) No problem at all

10. How does your ability to cover an unexpected $1,000 bill today compare with a year ago? a) Worse b) Better c) Same

11. Has any family member, including you, been laid off in the past 12 months? a) Yes b) No

12. Have any of those found new jobs? a) All b) Some c) None

13. How do the new salaries compare with the old ones? If experiences of your family members vary, circle as many answers as apply. a) Higher b) Lower c) Same

14. Do you expect your finances to improve or worsen in the next 12 months? a) Improve b) Worsen c) Don't know

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