Frequently Asked Questions

What is the COUNTRY Financial Security Index?

The COUNTRY Financial Security Index is a comprehensive measure of Americans’ sentiments toward their financial security. It is an aggregate of various factors comprising financial security including savings and investments, financial planning, retirement, education and asset protection.
When was the COUNTRY Financial Security Index launched?

The COUNTRY Financial Security Index was launched in February 2007.
Who do you survey bi-monthly?

We survey approximately 3,000 American adults ages 18+ on a bi-monthly basis.
What local markets do you survey?

The is a national survey; however it also provides local data for five markets including Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; St. Louis, Mo.; Denver, Colo.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Chicago, Ill.
How is the survey conducted?

The survey is conducted over the phone.
Who conducts the survey?

The survey is conducted by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm.
How is the COUNTRY Financial Security Index calculated?

The COUNTRY Financial Security Index records in percent form the relative financial security of respondents with 100 percent indicating the highest level of security. For the overall rating, responses are weighted such that life circumstances are made to correlate with commonly accepted financial needs. For example, the financial security rating of married respondents with teenage children would include a factor for college expense preparation while surveys of elderly respondents with no dependants would not.
Why did COUNTRY launch the Financial Security Index?

To empower Americans to take stock of their personal financial needs and strive to achieve financial security. In a day and age of negative national savings rate, dwindling Social Security, and increasing education and healthcare costs there is a greater need for Americans to understand their needs, take control of their pocket books and plan for their financial future.
What makes the COUNTRY Financial Security Index different from other personal finance surveys?

While most other surveys concentrate on one or two aspects of financial security, the COUNTRY Financial Security Index is a comprehensive measure that focuses on all aspects of personal finance, including saving for children’s education, investments, planning for retirement and protecting assets. It is also the first ongoing survey of its kind to be conducted as frequently as bi-monthly. It has the potential to offer rich trend data that can help economists track trends and also empower Americans’ to take stock of their financial situations and strive towards achieving financial security.

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