Nearly nine out of 10, 87%, of Americans think the country will fall into another recession within the next two years, a Country Financial survey finds. However, only half, 51%, say they are prepared to handle it financially.
More troubling, 25% of adults have no savings whatsoever. Fifty-five percent had some savings, but used their safety net during the recession, and 62% of this group says it will take them at least a year to rebuild their reserves.
Thirty-two percent say rising food and gas prices are hurting their ability to save, and 18% have experienced either a job cut or a pay cut. Additionally, 59% of Americans plan to cut back on holiday spending this year.
“The recession certainly took a toll,” said Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning at Country Financial. “Despite their pessimistic outlook, Americans are resilient. They will find a way to rise above financial challenges. People who have a plan tend to feel more confident overall, even in the face of a double-dip recession. Seventy-four percent of those with a plan say they are prepared for a second downturn, compared to 41% of those without a plan.”
Brannan added: “It’s encouraging to see Americans starting to make changes to their lifestyle to lessen the impact of another potential recession. Adjusting your short-term financial behaviors, like how much you spend during the holidays, is an important first step towards achieving your long-term goals.”
