This month's study, released by Bankrate Inc., shows that Americans are nearly split when it comes to gauging their financial security. Despite the gradual economic rebound, many Americans still feel less comfortable with their finances now than they did 12 months ago.

Among the findings:

- Twice as many people feel less comfortable about their savings level than those who feel better: 38 percent versus 19 percent;

- Only 10 percent of people between ages 50 and 64 feel more secure about their job while 29 percent feel less secure;

- More than three quarters, or 78 percent, of Americans spent either less than or nearly equal to what they expected to spend during their holiday shopping;

- 31 percent of workers with incomes less than $30,000 feel least comfortable with their debt loads. Those who earn more than $75,000 are not far behind, with 17 percent feeling less comfortable with their debt;

- Age significantly impacts overall financial security, with one of every three respondents over 50 believing they are worse off while only 15 percent of people younger than 30 feel that way.