Trying to get a handle on the way that regular Americans see their financial future seems to lie in the eye of the beholder – but according to Principal's Financial Well-Being Index, things are looking brighter, even for their retirement.

This year's survey demonstrates a significant improvement over sentiments gathered last year, though the metrics are still telling: 27 percent of workers say they have an optimistic outlook for the economy and their own fianancial lives, up from a depressing 12 percent in third quarter 2011.

Even the elusive goal of achieving the American dream has been restored, somewhat, with 43 percent of workers saying they have some level of confidence in their ability to achieve those financial goals, a figure significantly higher than just a few months ago.

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