Survey: Financial Future Not Bright for Most Americans
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: January 23, 2013
Amy Ruby is a mother of three who's constantly on the go.
She's caring for kids, cleaning, and of course getting shopping done.
But higher taxes are making her "to do" list a little tougher.
"I don't see a fix in the government's future very soon," said Ruby. "It could get worse, and I don't think people like to look at that reality."
That's why Ruby is taking extra care to manage spending where she can.
She clips coupons weekly to get better deals.
"A lot of the stores in town will have sites where you can register and they have coupons," said Ruby. "I like to do that so then I can use my coupon and their coupons and double up."
It's a task Ruby says she has to do in order to keep her account balanced.
She even has a book, to manage her financial questions.
"Big purchases," Ruby explained. "Do we have it in our budget? Do we need to make an account for it?"
According to an economic survey released by Country Financial most Americans are taking more control of their money.
35% have cut their spending or downsized.
16% are closely following a budget.
11% have reduced credit purchases.
4% percent are making conservative investments.
"Having six months worth of emergency funds built up can really make things less stressful," said Country Investment Officer Troy Frerichs.
Experts at Country Financial say those who are changing their habits are more confident they can reach their financial goals.
While the economy might take a while to recover, advisors say it is happening...slowly.
Perhaps making those who have saved for a rainy day, better off when the market gets back on track.
"Housing looks a little better, household net worth is coming back, the job market hasn't come back quick enough but it is coming back some, so there's enough to hang to and say at least this support some growth," said Frerichs.
Experts say taking control of your money is important, especially right now.
They encourage all people to make a budget plan to track spending and saving.
She's caring for kids, cleaning, and of course getting shopping done.
But higher taxes are making her "to do" list a little tougher.
"I don't see a fix in the government's future very soon," said Ruby. "It could get worse, and I don't think people like to look at that reality."
That's why Ruby is taking extra care to manage spending where she can.
She clips coupons weekly to get better deals.
"A lot of the stores in town will have sites where you can register and they have coupons," said Ruby. "I like to do that so then I can use my coupon and their coupons and double up."
It's a task Ruby says she has to do in order to keep her account balanced.
She even has a book, to manage her financial questions.
"Big purchases," Ruby explained. "Do we have it in our budget? Do we need to make an account for it?"
According to an economic survey released by Country Financial most Americans are taking more control of their money.
35% have cut their spending or downsized.
16% are closely following a budget.
11% have reduced credit purchases.
4% percent are making conservative investments.
"Having six months worth of emergency funds built up can really make things less stressful," said Country Investment Officer Troy Frerichs.
Experts at Country Financial say those who are changing their habits are more confident they can reach their financial goals.
While the economy might take a while to recover, advisors say it is happening...slowly.
Perhaps making those who have saved for a rainy day, better off when the market gets back on track.
"Housing looks a little better, household net worth is coming back, the job market hasn't come back quick enough but it is coming back some, so there's enough to hang to and say at least this support some growth," said Frerichs.
Experts say taking control of your money is important, especially right now.
They encourage all people to make a budget plan to track spending and saving.
