To kick off Financial Literacy Month, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association have unveiled the 2012 Financial Literacy Survey results.
In its sixth year now, the annual survey revealed that consumers still have a lot to learn when it comes to basic financial skills. The survey found that 56% of U.S. adults don’t have a budget, more than 77 million Americans don’t pay all their bills on time and 39% of adults carry credit card debt over from month-to-month.
In addition, two in five adults indicated they are saving less than they were one year ago and 39% don’t have any non-retirement savings.
“This year’s survey unveiled some disturbing trends, showing that a significant number of Americans are saving less, spending more, and carrying credit card debt over from month-to-month, suggesting that the painful financial lessons of the past are quickly being forgotten,” said Susan C. Keating, president/CEO of the NFCC.
“Coupled with the two in five adults who gave themselves a C, D, or F on their knowledge of personal finance, the need for an increase in financial education becomes not only clear, but urgent,” Keating said.
