Muddling Through Needs
Regularly meeting essential expenses was the most common financial concern among the survey participants. More than one-third (35%) of the Money-Rates survey respondents said that paying regular financial obligations — bills, a mortgage or rent payment, credit card payments, etc. — was their biggest financial worry. With so many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it's no surprise that people having trouble paying for these essentials. While some survey respondents worried about needs, others worried more about wants. Last year's survey results indicated that financial comfort was high on the priorities list, as three out of 10 (just over 30%) of those surveyed identified their single biggest financial worry as "ensuring I have enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
No Savings Plan
According to a Federal Reserve survey release from earlier this year, "Thirty-one percent of non-retired respondents reported having no retirement savings or pension, including 19% of those ages 55 to 64. With close to one-in-five of those near retirement having zero retirement savings, it's no wonder so many respondents (40%) cited a lack of savings as their biggest financial regret, and another 36% of people said they feared they would not be able to retire comfortably. On top of these individuals who regret not saving, there are also those individuals who are, for the most part, completely focused on the present. According to that same Federal Reserve release, 24% of people have given little thought to retirement planning and another 25% have given no thought to retirement planning at all.
Incurring Debt
If $10,000 fell out of the sky and into your lap, how would you use it? Around four in 10 (41%) of those who participated in the Money-Rates survey would pay down debt with that money. High amounts of debt is a large concern for many Americans. The debt is greater than what America produces in a whole year (debt-to-gross domestic product ratio). Last year's survey found that around one out of five people (20%) feel that accumulating too much debt is their biggest financial regret. The average household's credit card debt exceeds $7,000 - Nerd Wallet. In addition to this debt, many Americans also have to worry about mortgages, car loans, and of course student loans. Last year's Money-Rates survey also found that 8% of people feel that paying student loans is a big financial worry.
Financial Freedom
On the entirely opposite end of the spectrum, there is that handful of people out there who are completely money-conscious.
These individuals are financially healthy, they budget and plan where every penny is going to go, and their financial future is secure (as much as it can be). Nearly 12% of respondents from last year's survey said their biggest financial regret was being too cheap and not allowing themselves to enjoy their money.
A little over 10% of respondents said that if they could change only one thing about the way they handle money, they would enjoy their money and spend it a bit more freely. There’s no point making good money if you are going to live so frugally
Bad Financial Decision
Some American households are still feeling the sting of the recession. According to the Federal Reserve survey, "over 60% of respondents reported that their families were either 'doing okay' or 'living comfortably' financially; although one-fourth said that they were 'just getting by' financially and another 13% said they were struggling to do so. Even those who no longer feel the impact of the economic downturn still have to face the results of their own decision making. A large portion of the survey respondents (46% of men and 26% of women) acknowledge the impact of their financial decisions and wish to work towards making wiser investment or purchasing decisions.
