In a counterpoint to the current economic environment, the COUNTRY Financial Security Index(SM) jumped 1.5 points to 69.3 in June. Americans say they are feeling better about their ability to save and pay debts. After steadily declining for the past six months, the June Index came in at its highest reading since October 2007.

"Our financial planners, who work with clients everyday, are seeing two things which support the results," says Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning for COUNTRY Financial. "Some people are adjusting to the rocky economy and taking better control over their spending and saving habits. Others simply feel more confident after receiving their economic stimulus checks."

Despite the resurgence in confidence in nearly all aspects comprising the Index - including savings, debt, retirement, college savings and asset protection - Americans are feeling more glum when it comes to evaluating their financial situation as a whole. Fewer Americans (46 percent) currently rate their overall financial security as excellent or good than did in April (48 percent).

Extra cash provides boost to savings

- Those able to set aside money for savings or investments rose to 55 percent in June, up four points from April. While the number of men saying they were able to put money away spiked eight points to 60 percent, the number of women able to do so remained flat at 51 percent.
- There was a four point increase to 64 percent in those confident they could save for a secure retirement.

Debt concerns subside

- Eight-in-ten are confident in their ability to pay their debts as they come due, a two-point increase from April and the most to say this since December 2007. Younger Americans showed the largest gain in optimism, with 70 percent of 18 to 29 year olds confident compared to just 65 percent in April.

"The surge in confidence can be a good thing as long as you use that confidence wisely," adds Brannan. "Use your stimulus to pay down debt, save for your child's college or invest in your retirement. Those who take a long-term approach in tough economic times will feel more confident than those who don't."