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Data & Research December 20, 2011
Americans Split on 2012 Financial Outlook
Eighteen percent of Americans say planning for retirement is an area they want to work on in 2012.
Reported by Tara Cantore
According to the COUNTRY Financial Security Index, 30% of respondents said 2012 will be better than 2011. However, almost an equal number said it will be worse (28%) or about the same (32%).
Other top financial priorities for 2012 include reducing debt (27%) and boosting savings (19%). When asked which national economic issue will most impact them, 28% cited the federal budget deficit and the level of government spending.
The “Gen Y” age group (18-29) is ending 2011 with significantly more upbeat financial sentiments. Forty-one percent rate their overall level of financial security positively (up 20 points since the October index). Seventy-three percent are confident in their ability to pay debts (also up 20 points since the October index).
The COUNTRY Financial Security Index is a bi-monthly measure of Americans’ sentiments toward their overall financial security. It is an aggregate of various factors comprising financial security including savings and investments, financial planning, retirement, education and asset protection. The Index was created by COUNTRY Financial, and is compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC. It is based on a national telephone survey of at least 3,000 Americans.
To access the survey data in its entirety, visit http://www.countryfinancialsecurityindex.com