By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – It is kind of tricky to understand what is happening with the national economy right now. Some reports indicate recovery is well under way, while others are somewhat less optimistic.

Regardless, just as the effects of the recession took some time to trickle down to the River Parishes, recovery has yet to make a huge impact on the area.

As such, last week L’Observateur asked its readers what effect the current economic situation is having on them.

According to poll results, the biggest effect has been in the making of large purchases. One-third of those who responded said they were currently holding off on making large purchases until the current financial situation improves.

The next two highest vote getters represent somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum regarding effects of the recession. One-fifth of voters said the biggest impact has been that they have cut back on or eliminated dining out. Now while that is something everyone has experienced from time to time, another fifth of respondents said the economy has affected them in a much larger way as they are currently unemployed.

A full breakdown of the results follows:

• 20 percent of respondents chose “I have cut back on/eliminated dining out.”

• 11 percent of respondents chose “I have cut back on/eliminated travel or vacations.”

• 33 percent of respondents chose “I am holding off on making any large purchases.”

• 20 percent of respondents chose “I am currently unemployed.”

• 16 percent of respondents chose “None of the above.”

This week’s question: Hurricane season officially began yesterday. What have you done to prepare for the possibility of a storm?

Visit www.lobservateur.com to vote.