Folks out West set high standards for themselves, and young adults are -- surprise! -- more willing to enjoy life now and pay later, according to the results of a poll of Americans commissioned by Bankrate.com.

Are budgets important?

Almost nine in 10 respondents say it's essential or very important to have a monthly budget.

Source: Bankrate.com 2007

And women say they're better at sticking to budgets.

Bankrate commissioned a random survey in which 1,014 adults were asked their attitudes about budgeting and spending. Among the highlights:

Do you have a budget?

About three-quarters of respondents say they have a budget.

Source: Bankrate.com 2007

Asked, "When it comes to achieving financial goals, how important do you think it is to create and live within a monthly budget," Northeasterners were least likely to say that budgeting is essential or very important. Eighty-two percent of Northeasterners believe budgeting is that important, compared to 94 percent of Westerners, 90 percent of Southerners and 91 percent of the people in the north-central part of the country.

On the question of the importance of budgeting, there weren't big differences among most demographic groups. Senior citizens were a little less likely than those age 18 to 64 to say budgeting is essential or important (83 percent of seniors compared to 91 percent of everyone else). Low-income people were the least likely to say budgeting is essential or very important (88 percent) and folks making between $25,000 and $50,000 were the most likely to say budgeting is essential or very important (94 percent).