While 2010 began with dismal financial security sentiments, Americans now feel more optimistic about nearly all aspects of their financial security. The COUNTRY Financial Security Index® increased 1.8 points in April to 64.9, recovering ground from a record-setting decline in February.

The April COUNTRY Index reveals 38 percent currently rate their overall financial security as good or excellent compared to 35 percent in February. And, Americans may be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, as confidence in long-term financial goals showed the most improvement. Those confident they will have the financial resources to send their children to college jumped five points to 61 percent, and those confident they will have a comfortable retirement increased four points to 57 percent.

"While it's still too early to tell if the optimism will last, it's encouraging to see people starting to regain confidence in their finances this month," says Keith Brannan, vice president of Financial Security Planning for COUNTRY Financial. "In our experience, the best way to maintain long-term confidence is to create and stick to a tangible plan. Having a plan helps people navigate through volatile financial times."

More Americans able to save

More Americans (45 percent) were able to set aside money for savings or investments in April than in February (43 percent). While an equal number (45 percent) of men and women now say they were able to save this month, the number of women able to set aside money grew five points while the number of men able to do so dropped one point.

Confidence in asset protection increases

Eighty-one percent are currently confident their house, car and possessions are adequately protected, up two points from February.

"After confidence declined at the beginning of the year, it is good news that more people now believe that their assets are protected," adds Brannan. "Protecting what you've achieved in life – home, property and income – is just as important as saving and investing for the future."