Even with an economy in distress, Americans are optimistic about their personal finances, and those who have planned have a more upbeat outlook, according to a new survey by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

"While our country continues to grapple with sustained unemployment and other economic headwinds, Americans have a more positive outlook on their own personal finances," said Charles A. Moran, chair of CFP Board's board of directors. "And those people who have a financial plan believe that their own financial situation will improve over the next year and are willing to contribute to the economy by spending more."

Key findings of the telephone survey of 1,011 adults include:

The majority of Americans (59 percent) are not confident that the overall economy will rebound within the next year, and 29 percent are not confident it will ever rebound.
The majority of respondents have experienced negative fallout from the recession, with 53 percent delaying a big purchase and 45 percent dipping into their savings. Those who have experience hardship are more likely to have a negative view of the overall economy or on their personal finances.
Despite the weak confidence in the economy as a whole, Americans have a slightly more encouraging attitude with regard to their own finances, with 83 percent saying their personal financial situation would remain the same or improve during the upcoming year. This is particularly true with younger Americans.
Fifty-eight percent of Americans believe they would feel more confident about their finances if they had a financial plan in place.
More than four in five (86 percent) respondents agree with the statement, "Everyone should have a financial plan. Even if you have very little money it is good to know in advance how you will spend it and the best means of growing what you have."
Nearly four out of five people (79 percent) claim to have a financial plan; however, the majority do not have an official, written document. Almost half (46 percent) said they just have a plan in their head, and 11 percent only have notes or ideas written down. Only 42 percent of respondents said they had an official written plan.
Trust in financial planners is shaken due to the recent financial crisis. However, if given one hour with a financial planner, people would take advantage of it by focusing on retirement and budget planning. Thirty-six percent of Americans reported working with a financial planner or advisor.

Moran noted that these findings suggest there is "a gap between how Americans view financial plans and knowing the best way to build and maintain one. They clearly understand the importance of a financial plan, but too many Americans are not taking the necessary steps to formalize it in a concrete, comprehensive way."

Instant Insights /

Study: Americans with financial plans are more confident

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