With only 51% of Americans believing they will have enough money to enjoy a comfortable retirement, an all-time low, the Country Financial Security Index fell one point in June to 63.7.
“With the slow-to-recovery economy, rising good and gas prices and discussions over government entitlement programs, concern over retirement is understandable,” said Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning at
The survey also showed that only 45% of Americans were able to set aside money for savings and investments in June, down from 48% in April. Thirty-seven percent rate their overall level of financial security positively this month, down from 38% in April.
Nonetheless, 58% are confident they will be able to send their children to college, up from 56%.
The survey also indicated that women are more confident than men for the first time ever, with 53% of women believing they will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement, compared to 49% of men. Seventy-eight percent of women are confident they will be able to pay debts as they come due. Just 75% of men say the same.
“When it comes to finances, men and women exhibit different attitudes and levels of risk tolerance,” Brannan added. “The sharper the divisions, the more important it is for couples to collaborate on their finances. Despite differences, both men and women need to put equal focus on planning for their short- and long-term financial goals to achieve financial security.”
