Americans Split Over Post-Recession Nest Egg

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are split when it comes to how the recession has impacted their retirement savings strategy. A COUNTRY Financial survey reveals that while 48 percent have decreased the amount of money they are putting away for their golden years, an equal number have either increased (12 percent) or maintained their level of savings (35 percent).

Americans' split reaction comes as 41 percent admit they are more confused about how to save for retirement after weathering the recession.  Despite the confusion, more than half (53 percent) say the economic conditions will not force them to delay their retirement.  Of those who do anticipate postponing their golden years, 64 percent expect to wait more than three years longer than originally planned.

"While the recession is having an impact on people's approach toward retirement, it's encouraging to see many have been able to stay the course with their savings even in these tough times," says Keith Brannan, vice president of Financial Security Planning for COUNTRY Financial.  "It's important to remember most families can build a secure future by taking actionable steps like developing a plan and updating it as their family's financial needs change."

And, Americans do appear to be making some changes. A majority (41 percent) say they have moved their money into less risky investments as a result of the recession.

Confidence in mid-income retirement continues downward trend

Just 30 percent of all Americans currently believe it is possible for a middle-income family to save for a secure retirement, a five point drop from 2009 and a seven point decline compared to 2007, when the survey began.

Lack of involvement spurs lack of confidence

Those who say they are not involved in their family's financial decisions tend to be much more pessimistic than those who are involved. Fifty-eight percent of those who aren't involved in decisions say it is not possible for a middle-income family to have a secure retirement. And, for those who think their retirement will need to be delayed, 95 percent expect this postponement to last three years or more.

"As with anything else, people tend to feel better when they are better informed," adds Brannan.  "Developing an arrangement where you have at least some knowledge of your family's finances can not only help you feel more at ease, but also can help alleviate tension about financial decisions your family makes."

For more information on Americans' sentiments about financial security, please visit www.countryfinancialsecurityindex.com.

The COUNTRY retirement survey is based on a national telephone survey of 2,340 non-retired Americans and is compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC (www.rasmussenreports.com), an independent research firm. The margin of sampling error for this survey is approximately +/- 2 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.

About COUNTRY

COUNTRY Financial (http://www.countryfinancial.com/) serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States.  It offers a full range of financial products and services from auto, home and life insurance to retirement planning services, investment management and annuities.

SOURCE COUNTRY Financial