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A new poll of Connecticut residents reveals that most believe the economy to be in recession. And a majority also don’t think either presidential candidate can improve matters.

The poll was conducted by UConn’s Center for Survey Research and Analysis, for the Hartford Courant. The researchers questioned just over 600 people about their view of the economy, and their own financial worries. Nearly one in five of those questioned say they’ve been borrowing to pay for everyday living expenses. And people at every income level report making cutbacks in some aspect of their lives, including buying cheaper food and carpooling.

Almost 30% of people surveyed say they’ve stopped putting money into their retirement accounts, and 17% have postponed retirement plans. Three quarters describe the economy as being in recession, while a third say they’ve had to increase the number of hours they work just to get by.

Asked about their biggest financial worries, Connecticut residents cite the price of gas and heating fuel. Most respondents didn’t believe either John McCain or Barack Obama could do much to improve the economy, but of those who favored one or the other, Obama beat out McCain.