Americans Say Fiscal Fitness Harder to Attain than Physical Fitness

January 26, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A recent survey for Union Bank finds 90% of Americans agree that financial stress can affect one's health.

Even more women (91%) and older adults (92% of those 45 and older) link stress to concerns over money; however, 60% of those surveyed may not be taking the necessary steps to improve financial fitness, according to a press release.

Sixty three percent of Americans said it is harder today to get financially fit than it is to get physically fit. The majority (61%) indicated they don’t believe they have enough money saved in the right kind of savings account to weather a financial storm during 2010.

Another six-in-ten said that if they had extra money, they would save it, but they lack extra funds to save at the end of the month.

“These responses indicate that a significant number of Americans may be in debt, without a clear plan to solve their financial problems,” said Union Bank Executive Vice President Pierre Habis, in the press release. “Ensuring fiscal fitness can be every bit as difficult as getting back into good physical shape after a long period of inactivity, and while many Americans may spend time and energy accumulating wealth, many spend little time developing a sufficient plan to offset risks they might face along the way.”

Findings from the study, conducted online in December by Harris Interactive, also reveal differing opinions among U.S. adults according to their age about what is more important for 2010 – fiscal fitness or physical fitness. While roughly 55% of those 18-34 rate financial fitness a higher priority in 2010, the majority of older Americans (70% of those 55 and older) rate physical fitness as a priority.

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