African Americans are optimistic about achieving their financial goals, even though they invest more conservatively, lack relationships with financial professionals, and are more likely to borrow from company retirement plans.

This is according to a new Prudential study, "The African American Financial Experience", which was conducted in November 2010 as part of a series of research projects focused on multicultural markets. It polled 1,500 African American financial decision-makers between the ages of 25-70 with incomes above $25,000. Five hundred general population financial decision makers were used as a benchmark.

The study underscores growing affluence in the African American community and the importance of financial planning to achieve financial security. But while African Americans are looking for assistance and advice, 78 percent feel financial services companies have not effectively engaged the African American community. As a result, most African Americans do not use or have access to financial advisors.