M&T Bank: Survey Shows Majority of Americans Still Cautious About Finances

Two-thirds still cutting spending; More than half think recession not over

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Apr 12, 2010, 10:37 ET

BUFFALO, N.Y., April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Despite some indicators that an economic recovery is underway, most Americans are still trying to cut expenses, according to a recent survey conducted for M&T Bank. Reducing debt and increasing savings were the two other most reported financial behaviors among respondents.

A national telephone survey of 1,000 randomly selected adults found that 66 percent are focused on cutting expenses and sticking to a monthly budget. Additionally, 18 percent said they are paying off or refinancing debt, and 15 percent report saving more money in a 401(k) or IRA, among those surveyed by GfK Custom Research North America. Only 6 percent of respondents reported that they were not taking measures to deal with the current economic conditions. In addition, only 5 percent reported that they are starting to make major purchases again.

Full results of M&T Bank's survey are available online at www.mtb.com/newsroom.

At a time when job losses have slowed, home sales are beginning to rise in some areas and the stock market is coming off its biggest 12-month increase in nearly 70 years, 55 percent of consumers surveyed nonetheless feel that the economy is still in a downturn. Forty-three percent believe economic conditions have begun to improve.

These perceptions about the so-called "Great Recession" appear to be having a lasting effect on consumer spending—and have caused people to re-evaluate their budgets and financial plans.

"Cutting expenses is often our first reaction in times of financial stress or volatility, but without a long-term financial plan, the benefits usually last for only a few weeks or months," said Paul Kieffer, Manager of the Personal Financial Planning Department for M&T Bank. "Only a comprehensive and disciplined approach to all aspects of financial planning can provide long-term security."

Kieffer reports a 30-percent increase this year in customers who are utilizing the services of the Personal Financial Planning Department at M&T Bank.

"An increasing number of our clients are seeking help now in order to effectively prepare for retirement, invest for education and build a personal financial plan that's in alignment with their goals," Kieffer said. "Regardless of net worth, we are still seeing people who remain concerned about managing these difficult economic conditions, and who are preparing for a successful future."

Kieffer offers the following top ten financial planning tips:

Set life goals (for example, retirement)
Set a budget and manage expenses
"Pay yourself first"
Consolidate and/or refinance debt
Rebalance assets to more closely align with investment objectives
Take full advantage of matching contributions in company-sponsored retirement plans
Explore Roth IRA conversions
Create an estate plan that works with fluctuating changes in tax laws
Evaluate insurance coverages -- especially life and disability due to market volatility (a decrease in assets may result in an increased need for insurance)
Review property & casualty insurance, especially liability coverage

For information about financial planning, contact Paul Kieffer at [email protected] or 716-848-7534, or see the "Investing & Insurance" section at www.mtb.com/personal.

M&T Bank, the principal bank subsidiary of Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB), has more than 750 branch offices located in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For Further Information visit www.mtb.com.

"M&T Bank and its affiliates, agents and representatives are not authorized to give, and this information should not be considered, legal, tax, estate planning or accounting advice. We suggest that you consult your attorney, accountant or tax advisor for such advice on specific points of interest to you.

Tax information contained herein is from sources deemed reliable, but no guarantee is made as to its accuracy or completeness."

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