Just as shoppers start to open their wallets they pull back as gas prices rise.

And, concerns about New York's overall economic conditions worsen.

That's the finding of the Siena College Research Institute's latest survey on consumer confidence.

Overall, confidence in New York fell 3 points, to 64.3 in June.

Upstate, it's down more than 4 points, to 59.0

Consumer confidence measures your willingness to spend, not your ability.

Compared to two years ago, buying plans for furniture have taken the biggest hit, down almost 8%.

Fewer people are inclined to buy a car or do major home improvements.

Plans to buy a home are down about 1%.

And stores are seeing a shift in what's selling off their shelves.

Action News Reporter Caitlin Nuclo caught up with shoppers to see what they are buying.

"I have a list we try to stick to it," said Alberta Green.

Shoppers are sticking to the essentials.

"I just buy what I need really," said Marge Horbey.

As consumer confidence slips, they're becoming more savvy in finding ways to save.

From comparing prices, to cutting coupons.

"There is a bigger emphasis on saving now especially because you don't know how long things will last," said Paul-Franz Koeppel.

"I think because of our guests having a more strict budget, they are watching what they spend," said Andy Paladino of Target.

And Target is tailoring it's focus to what people are buying.

Competitive prices on big sellers like food, get customers through the door, and hopefully other bargains will catch their eye.

"Today the towels were on sale, so we bought the towels," said Green.

At Ellis Brothers Furniture in Binghamton, sales have been steady.

"People are definitely being more cautious about what they're spending, and you have to present a value to get them to spend money," said Robert Ellis.

You'll spot sale signs sprinkled all over the showroom floor.

Ellis says customers are still investing in their homes...

Which could pay off in the long haul, once the housing market rebounds.

"It's going to get better I know that," said Horbey

"The more money you put in, the better it looks. So the more we spend the better it will be, just don't spend unwisely," said Koeppel.

Koeppel keeps close watch on his finances.

And says he'll continue to spend smart, helping to pull up the sinking economy.

The most recent Siena Poll also shows a majority of people say they are worse off today than a year ago.

And they don't expect the state's economy to improve in the next year.