Americans grew more pessimistic about their personal level of financial security in April, as the COUNTRY Financial Security Index slipped 0.8 points to 69.4, down from 70.2 in February.

The decline was tied to greater concerns about finances and debt and to a drop in confidence in the ability to protect assets. However, it was somewhat offset by stability around retirement and education savings.

The COUNTRY Index records the perceived financial security of respondents on a scale of 0-100 with 100 indicating the highest level of security, based on random surveys of 3,000 American adults conducted every other month.

Americans' Pocket-Books Tighter in April

- The percentage of people who were able to set aside money for savings or investments in the last few months dropped two points from 56 percent to 54 percent.

- Those who indicated they are not confident in their ability to pay all their debts as they come due increased two points to 18 percent.

Insurance Protection Concerns Grow

- The percentage of people who are confident their family would be able to live comfortably if they died or were disabled dropped two points to 66 percent.

- Those who are confident that their house, car and possessions are adequately insured decreased three points from 84 percent to 81 percent.

"Pressure on energy prices, a volatile stock market and income tax season might have an impact on how Americans are assessing their current financial situation," says Keith Brannan, director of the Financial Security Office at COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services. "It is
encouraging to note however, that despite short term news, they remain optimistic about their ability to achieve long-term financial goals such as their retirement and education savings."