LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- More New Yorkers are willing to spend more, but gas prices are still having a negative impact on most of our everyday lives. That's according to the Siena Research Institute's monthly consumer confidence index out this morning.

According to the latest poll, New York's overall consumer confidence has increased 4.8 points since last month. That still lags behind the national average by about 5 points.

The report finds that 71 percent of respondents say despite the drop, gas prices are still seriously impacting their finances, affecting how much is spent on items like groceries.

There is some good news, though. Home buying plans statewide have doubled this month -- the highest it has been since last September.

The consumer confidence poll measures how much someone is willing to spend, not one's ability to spend.