The stock market is up and the economy is on the mend, but after one of the worst recessions in modern history, Americans are still feeling uneasy about their personal finances, according to the responses in our Thrivent Financial/Kiplinger Survey of Family Finances. Results of the poll, conducted by Synovate eNation, appear in the June issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. The survey of 1,000 respondents, with a margin of error of +/-3%, reveals that Americans now worry more about jobs than debt, and are less willing to take risks. Financial stability is now their top priority.
Here’s your chance to compare our survey results with your own views about the state of your finances. Please answer 19 original questions from the Thrivent Finance/Kiplinger Survey. With each answer, you’ll see the results of our online poll, plus how the online results compare with those who answered the original survey.
Let’s start, shall we?
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Reader Comments (15)
Posted by: John at 05/05/2010 03:43:58 PM
My wife who was p;rimarily a stay-at-ome mom has always been a do-it-yourself frugal person. She influennced me to be the same. We have always lived beneath our income. She saved and I invested.. We still live in olur original home and we are now 75 and 71. We raised three daujghters and fully paid for their college education. When I first retiredm, we traveled all over western Europe and the US.
Posted by: Ted K at 05/05/2010 05:16:24 PM
We were very fortunate with our retirement good pensions, with colas no debt at all including mortagage new home,furnishings,car we had it all planned. Then what no one plans on my wife of 48 yrs was told she had cancer. She passed away in 08. So no matter how one plans if you don't have your health all the money don't mean a thing.
Posted by: Ted K at 05/05/2010 05:18:36 PM
My wife of 48 yrs was about to learn that she had kidney cancer which would lead to her death in 10/08. No matter how much money one has without health it doesn't matter.We lived comfortably considering we never made more than $65k and that only in the 2 yrs prior to retiring in 99
Posted by: woebagger at 05/06/2010 10:27:33 AM
Actually, no difference, but I was not allowed to say this.
Posted by: Linda F. at 05/07/2010 12:10:37 PM
Going on my fifth month of unemployment it has been a struggle to pay bills, mortgage etc. and I would like to move out on my own but the lack of a secure job is keeping me from fullfilling my goals and bringing a brighter future. I debate about moving out of state to say Florida or California as I much more prefer the warmer climate but not sure how to go about it. Get job first or apartment????? Hoping the economy stays in the "upswing" as I feel hesitate but faithful it will continue to improve. Just bought stock today and doing my small part to boast the market trend.
Posted by: Jay at 05/07/2010 03:57:11 PM
Thank you for the opportunity to make a few comments. When my wife and I retired two years ago our financial situation was quite adequate; and at the present time still is. My concern stems from the new tax burden that Obama Care law will incur. Add to that runaway spending by the Congress and the overwhelming national debt and you have catalyzed a scenario of economic destruction. Evidence of the destruction of run away spending is the "Fundamental Transformation of America" proposed by President Obama, i.e., morphing from a capitalist form of economy to a socialist venue; and America given sufficient time will become another Greece. All of this will evolve into a state wherein Medicare funding will be even more severely cut, as will social Security. Looking into the future the horizon for many seniors looks dim!
Posted by: gfd at 05/07/2010 10:54:37 PM
Ditto!!!!!Planned for retirement at him 62 me 60............Husband dx w cancer jan2006 treated until died Feb 2008 Saved, Saved for retirement I now have over a million but would give it all back for him People first, Money next
Posted by: Bill V at 05/11/2010 02:58:46 PM
Although my wife and I discuss money a little more than we did in the past, we haven't made too many changes in our lifestyle. Mostly, it's our retirement plans that have been the major topics of conversation.
Posted by: roy at 05/11/2010 08:25:23 PM
Close to $ 100,000. in stock market and ira's ..........I'm disappointed
Posted by: Dickens at 05/14/2010 11:45:07 AM
My employer, a wealthy cable company, is asking the employees to take a 5 percent wage cut for three years. I am concerned about the ramifications this will have on my retirement and being able to hold on to my mortgage. We live in one of the most expensive communities in the country. The union asked the company to show the books, but the company refused indicating, it has something to hide. I am trying not to let the anger over this blur my understanding of what I must do to protect myself. I work a full shift and then some, and I have children. A second job is out of the question at this time.
Posted by: John R at 05/16/2010 05:38:37 PM
The key is to live well within your means. We do not own fancy high priced cars, we live in a modest house without expensive and pocketbook draining A/C or property taxes, we do not own extravagent technology, we do not invest in motor homes, boats, or other wasteful pass times. We neither smoke nor drink which wastes a lot of money. But we are not fugal to the point of being obnoxious. We do not overpay for anything and save/invest cash.
Posted by: btanskiner at 05/30/2010 05:13:47 PM
I'm just finishing my MBA, my second graduate degree. I'm President/CEO of a small company, raised two college graduates and know a lot of people. Given all I know and have learned, I'm not optomistic. National debt, environmental concerns, a completely polarized electorate and populace, household and corporate debt, significant state debt, a crumbling educational system...the list goes on. The majority of people that I speak with are not optomistic as well. I think the biggest issue we have is a polarized populace and electorate. Talking heads are making a lot of money dividing this country. People fail to realize that Presidents, over the past 60 years, have increased the national debt except one (Clinton), but Obama is getting hammered by poorly informed people. It's a real issue whem propaganda passes for fact....it creats polarization, fear, anger, and a lack of trust. If we don't band together and address the aforementioned issues soon, we will clearly be, as a country, far worse off than we are now.
Posted by: wayne at 06/20/2010 07:22:24 PM
The low interest rates for savings is causing a struggle. I look at company's paying dividends in the 55 range and wonder if these are a possible solution
Posted by: jack at 07/15/2010 08:28:07 AM
The results from your readers shown they are not matured and maybe need to reconsider their style of handling their wealth. Thank you. To your best...
Posted by: Raghvendra Singh Bhadauria at 09/03/2010 01:27:54 PM
I have stable job and decent salary. But my only worry in 30s still i haven't accumulated enough money.