Pennsylvania residents say the recession has taken a dramatic toll on their finances, with roughly one in four households reporting that someone had taken a second job in the past six months to make ends meet, according to a new survey.

The survey, by the Siena Research Institute at Siena College in New York, found that the cost of food was a financial hardship for 71 percent of Pennsylvania households. Gasoline prices seriously affected 59 percent, while nearly 80 percent said they were concerned about the coming winter heating bills.

Nearly two-thirds of residents said they worried about money more today than ever before, and have modified their lifestyles.

Among the changes: 71 percent said they cut back spending on entertainment, 76 percent carefully monitored energy use at home, and 52 percent said they delayed major purchases, such as an appliance, car or home. A majority said they turned to coupons and low-cost store brands.

Despite the belt-tightening, a small majority, 52 percent, said they believed that their money troubles would ease next year.

"For a growing number of state residents, there is light at the end of this long tunnel," said Don Levy, director of the institute, which polled 625 households in late October.

One in five surveyed said someone in their household lost a job in the past six months; 31 percent had a cut in work hours.

Most said they were ill-prepared to withstand a job loss -- only 38 percent said they stashed away enough to cover household expenses for at least six months.

"Money Q&A" and "Company Town" are featured exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.