Country Financial Index: Confidence Level in Overall Financial Security Holds Steady

Americans' level of confidence in their overall financial security held steady in June, as the Country Financial Security Indexticked down just one-tenth of a point. Results indicating a more optimistic near-term view of Americans' finances were offset by continued uncertainty about longer range issues. The survey is conducted and released every other month.

While the overall index remained stable, the short-term component--an indicator of immediate financial concerns--increased for the second consecutive month. According to researchers, this momentum was driven by improved ratings of overall financial security and an increase in the number of Americans able to set aside money for savings and investments. Among respondents, 41% rate their financial security favorably, up two points from April and up six points from the beginning of the year. A full 46% were able to save, up one point from April and three points from February.

Key findings include:

? In contrast to short-term sentiments, confidence about long-term finances has yet to show significant signs of recovery.

? The number of Americans confident they will have enough money for a comfortable retirement dipped one point to 56%.

? Confidence in the ability to have enough resources to send children to college increased one point to 62%in June, but remains significantly lower than pre-recession readings.

? In comparison to other generations, the 18-29 age group has grown significantly more confident about their finances in the last few months.

? Fully 44% were able to set aside money for savings or investments, an 11-point jump from April.

"As we reach the middle of the year, it is clear Americans are still uneasy about their finances as the unpredictable economic situation continues," says Keith Brannan, vice president of Financial Security Planning for Country Financial. "It is encouraging, however, to see that sentiments about short-term finances are heading in the right direction. We hope people understand that making the right financial decisions now can help them in the long-term."

Read about Country Financial's property insurance survey from the archives of InvestmenAdvisor.com.