Benefits December 6, 2011

Feeling “In Control” Leads to More Positive Savings Behaviors

December 6, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A survey from Lincoln Financial Group finds that, despite the economic challenges that have rocked the nation, Americans remain positive about their futures.
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Two-thirds of Americans report their lives are headed in the right direction, according to the MOOD (Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction) of America survey.  

The research finds that Americans who say they feel “in control” of their lives exhibit the following behaviors: 

  • Valuing and cultivating their personal relationships, 
  • Volunteering in their communities and giving to charitable organizations, 
  • Taking quiet time to be alone and think, 
  • Exercising and spending time on a hobby, and  
  • Adhering to a budget and saving for retirement. 

Although nearly half of those in control of their lives (46%) say they do not have enough money to live on when they eventually retire, and a third (34%) reported an annual household income below $50,000, an overwhelming majority (84%) are very or somewhat optimistic about their financial futures.  

Americans in control have taken concrete steps to build financial security such as establishing a retirement account and owning other financial products, including life insurance. They are also more likely to stay within their budgets and save money from every paycheck regardless of the amount. Sixty-three percent of those in control of their lives regularly put money away for retirement, compared to 35% of those who say they are not in control.

According to the study, those who feel “in control” have a mindset that is not primarily defined by income or employment status, but an optimism driven by an attitude of determination and personal empowerment. These Americans believe success in life is determined by forces within an individual's control, and that they can always find ways to solve problems.  

Americans in control are not driven by the desire to be wealthy, but consider financial freedom – having enough money to do what they want to do – to be four to five times more important than being wealthy.   

A strong majority (72%) of respondents are "very" or "somewhat" optimistic about their futures and 66% feel in control of their lives. These are individuals who say they feel at least "somewhat" in control of their personal lives, financial futures and health. However, Americans feel in greater control of their health (51%) than of their financial futures (27%).   

"Americans who feel in control of their destinies share a common mindset – one that is focused on positive, constructive behaviors every day," said Mark Konen, president of Insurance and Retirement Solutions for Lincoln Financial Group.    

The MOOD of America survey results are based on a telephone poll conducted by Whitman Insight Strategies on November 4-8, 2011, among 803 adults 18 years of age and older across the United States.   

The survey findings are available at http://www.LincolnFinancial.com/surveys.

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