The economy may have consumers a little more short-sighted than they otherwise would be. According to a survey by Securian Financial Group, consumers are more concerned about short-term security than long-term financial goals, noting saving for emergencies as their top concern.
Another indication that consumers are more concerned with the here-and-now than their futures, is their propensity to put off debt reduction, even if they have found ways to cut spending. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed said they still have non-mortgage debt, almost the same percentage since Securian's last survey in 2007.
Boomers, in particular, are facing potential hardships. One-fifth of those in debt owes at least $50,000, and were the only generation to add new debt since 2007.
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Overall, though, consumers are avoiding debt. Only 20 percent of the people surveyed have applied for credit or loans in the last year, and fully 80 percent are proud of their cutbacks.
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