Research in Financial Planning and Behavior

Americans with a financial
plan report greater feelings
of security in today’s economyThrough 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.

Now, research commissioned by First Command offers 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.

The findings are compelling:

• The practice of saving increases financial optimism.
• As the ratio of savings to debt increases, so do feelings of security.
• Confidence in financial matters grows with a financial plan.

To learn more about this landmark, two-year study involving more than 9,300 American families, read the report, Finding Financial Security in Uncertain Economic Times. And bookmark and return to this page regularly for the latest results of our ongoing research, including the quarterly First Command Financial Behaviors Index.

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First Command Financial Services, Inc. is the parent company of First Command Financial Planning, Inc. (Member SIPC, FINRA) and First Command Bank (Member FDIC). Financial planning services and investment products, including securities products, are offered by First Command Financial Planning, Inc. Insurance products and services are offered by First Command Financial Services, Inc. Banking products and services are offered by First Command Bank. In certain states, as required by law, First Command Financial Services, Inc. does business as a separate, domestic corporation, and does business in California as “First Command Insurance Services.”

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.

First Command Financial Services, Inc. and its related entities are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or U.S. armed forces.

First Command is proud to be an FPA Alliance firm, recognized by the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) for commitment to professionalism in financial planning. The Financial Planning Association owns the FPA Alliance trademark.

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