Financial Security Sentiments Remain Stagnant in April

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of recent economic growth, Americans remain pessimistic about their finances. The COUNTRY Financial Security Index® dipped just 0.2 points to 64.7 in April. Improvements in the ability to save and pay debts, and confidence in college funding offset a decrease in Americans' optimism about their overall financial security and ability to retire.

Americans' long-term uncertainty might be driving short-term savings. Forty-eight percent were able to save this month, up one point from February. That's the highest since December 2009. Middle income earners exhibited the largest gains. Fifty-two percent of Americans earning $40,000 to $60,000 set aside money, a five point increase. For Americans earning $60,000 to $75,000, 68 percent saved this month, up 8 percent. Also up one point each were those confident in their ability to pay down debts and send children to college, at 77 percent and 56 percent, respectively.

These gains didn't translate to an increase in overall financial security, however. Just 38 percent rate their overall level of financial security positively, down three points from February. Confidence in the ability to retire comfortably fell to 52 percent, a two point decrease.

"As our economy tries to stabilize, Americans' anxiety about their money matters can be attributed to a variety of factors," said Keith Brannan, vice president of Financial Security Planning at COUNTRY Financial. "The silver lining is people are saving and paying off debts. Addressing short-term obligations, like saving and debt, is an important step toward achieving long-term financial security."

Decline in confidence among 30- to 39-year-olds

Compared to other age groups, 30- to 39-year-olds are more pessimistic about their overall financial situation. Just 37 percent rate their financial security as excellent or good, a six-point drop from February. It is the largest decline among all age groups.

"Those in the 30 to 39 age bracket, who are most likely going through life's fiscal milestones, such as buying or upgrading their home and raising children, may be more affected by the sluggish economy," adds Brannan. "Remember, after big life changes, it's important to revisit and adjust your financial plan. Financial security is attainable no matter your age, income or where you are starting from."

To access embeddable data charts and video interviews about the latest COUNTRY Index data please visit www.countryfinancialsecurityindex.com. Individuals can also learn more and compare their own results with the national COUNTRY Financial Security Index.  The next COUNTRY Financial Security Index will be released June 15, 2011 and subsequently every other month.

The COUNTRY Financial Security 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 COUNTRY Index was created by COUNTRY Financial and is compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm, based on a national telephone survey of at least 3,000 Americans.

The margin of sampling error for a survey based on this many interviews 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