Poll: Americans are Optimistic about Financial Future

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A new poll conducted by Quinnipiac University asked 1,590 American adults around the country how they feel about their financial future, the way economics is reported in the media and student loans.

The Quinnipiac University National Poll found that 75 percent of Americans are optimistic about their financial future and 19 percent are pessimistic.

Broken down even further:

Dr. Osman Kilic

• 69 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are optimistic, and 82 percent of Americans between the ages of 35 to 49 are optimistic about their financial future.
• 77 percent of Whites are optimistic, whereas 69 percent of Blacks and 75 percent of Hispanics are optimistic about their financial future;
• 82 percent of Whites with a college degree are optimistic, compared to 74 percent of Americans without a degree with the same views.

“This high level of optimism reflects the constant economic growth and decreasing levels of unemployment over the last decade. It also shows, however, the lack of savings, especially for retirement,” said Dr. Osman Kilic, chair of the Department of Finance at the School of Business at Quinnipiac University.

In regards to how economics is reported in the media, 60 percent of American adults believe that economic news does not accurately reflect the reality of the economy for the average American.

Twenty-two percent of Americans believe that student loans have prevented them from making major purchases like a house or car, and 17 percent of Americans surveyed said they regret taking on student loans to earn a college degree, whereas 28 percent said they do not regret taking on student loans.