Some 51% Americans with more than $100,000 in household income believe the pandemic economy is worse than the 2008 recession, according to a new survey from Edelman Financial Engines.

Twenty-six percent of respondents reported that they had withdrawn money from their retirement or savings accounts during the pandemic. Of those, 39% gave money to help a family member or friend in need, and 51% had paid their own bills. More than a third report they don’t have enough money in their cash reserves.

Survey respondents who withdrew money from their retirement or savings accounts during the pandemic also said it will take them nearly six years on average to replenish their savings.

The need for professional financial planning and advice may be more critical than ever, according to Edelman, with 47% of respondents reporting they do not work with a financial advisor.

“Months into the pandemic, it’s clear that Americans are still struggling with the financial impact,” Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines, said in a statement. “It is likely that Americans will continue to struggle for some time.”

Nearly 100% of respondents said they think their preferred presidential candidate will win the election.

Asked about presidential candidates’ policy initiatives, 64% said the economy was the most important issue to them, followed by the pandemic and health care. Some 72% of Americans said candidates’ economic policies would influence their vote.

In a separate survey, investors remain divided on which candidate is best for the market. Half of investors said President Trump (50%) would be better for the markets, and nearly half said former Vice President Joe Biden would (44%), while 6% said neither, according to StreetWise, the E*TRADE quarterly tracking study of experienced investors. Results indicate investors remain bullish despite election jitters.

"The retail investor continues to be resilient despite more than a few headwinds that could disrupt the market’s bullish course,” Mike Loewengart, managing director of investment strategy at E*TRADE Financial said. "Investor concern regarding the election this cycle could very well stem more from how long it will take to identify a winner, as opposed to who the winner may actually be. The market is no fan of uncertainty, and we are in unchartered territory this November. That said, investors are wise to keep in mind that election-related volatility will likely be a short bump in the road for those with a long-term investing view."

Bullish sentiment remains high, according to the E*TRADE survey. Half of investors (52%) are bullish, up one percentage point since last quarter. But most think that volatility will rise as 2020 ends. Nearly two out of three investors (65%) think that volatility will rise in the fourth quarter, up nine percentage points since the third quarter.

Edelman Financial Engines surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults age 40 to 65 with an annual household income of more than $100,000, between August 27 and September 1.

E*TRADE conducted an online survey of 842 self-directed active investors who manage at least $10,000 in an online brokerage account from October 1 to October 13.