Research in Financial Planning and Behavior

Through First Command’s 50 years of service to our clients, we’ve learned that regardless of one’s income and goals, financial behavior — one’s everyday choices and long-term practices toward saving, spending and investing — is the key determinant of financial well-being.

Finding Financial Security in Uncertain Economic Times, a research report commissioned in 2008 by First Command, offers strong evidence that the productive behaviors encouraged by a financial plan provide not only the foundation for greater financial security, but also lead to greater emotional security in times of economic turbulence.

Among its compelling findings, the report illustrates that the practice of saving increases financial optimism; that as the ratio of savings to debt increases, so do feelings of security; and that confidence in financial matters grows with a financial plan.

Read the report (print-friendly PDF).

Reinventing Retirement, a national study performed through the First Command Financial Behaviors Index® in 2010, reveals that Baby Boomers are poised to radically redefine the meaning of the Golden Years and life after 65. Among the results of this survey, half of Baby Boomers expect to be at least in their 70s before they fully retire; the intent to stay busy trumps financial motivations as the top driver of the desire to continue working; and Baby Boomers are a diverse group with differing visions of the ideal retirement.

reinventing retirement thumb Read the report (print-friendly PDF)

The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® assesses trends among the American public’s financial behaviors, intentions and attitudes through a monthly survey of approximately 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 25–70, with annual household incomes of at least $50,000. Click here to learn more »

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©2012 First Command Financial Services, Inc. parent of First Command Financial Planning, Inc. (Member SIPC, FINRA), First Command Insurance Services, Inc. and First Command Bank. Financial planning services and investment products, including securities, are offered by First Command Financial Planning, Inc. Insurance products and services are offered by First Command Insurance Services, Inc. in all states except Montana, where as required by law, insurance products and services are offered by First Command Financial Services, Inc. (a separate Montana domestic corporation). Banking products and services are offered by First Command Bank. Securities products are not FDIC insured, have no bank guarantee and may lose value. A financial plan, by itself, cannot assure that retirement or other financial goals will be met.

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