This represents an 11 percentage-point increase from a year ago, when 30% of U.S. adults said the same thing, according to results of a poll conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Of the survey respondents who said they are postponing life goals, 28% cited a lack of savings as the principal reason, while 18% cited concerns about the country’s economic state.

Other decisions respondents reported delaying included home ownership, higher education, marriage, children, and medical procedures. The study found general anxiety over the economy is high, with 54% of respondents expressing a pessimistic outlook over the next year.

“We know people are having a hard time making ends meet, which can affect life goals. It’s important that they try to save, even if it’s only a small amount each week,” said Carl George, chair of the AICPA’s National CPA Financial Literacy Commission.

The CPA profession created 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy – www.360financialliteracy.org – to educate Americans on how financial issues affect them at all life stages, and Feed the Pig (www.feedthepig.org), a separate campaign created with the Ad Council, helps 25- to 34-year-olds prepare for long-term financial security.