While most Americans say their goal is to get their household finances in order this year, a large number also acknowledge that they still have a long financial row to hoe before they get there, according to a new survey released February 18 by financial products company Country Financial.

Among those surveyed, 68% say their incomes did not grow last year, while 71% reported that their operating expenses have.

Independent research firm Rasmussen Reports LLC conducted the survey for Country Financial last December, querying 3,000 Americans about their financial priorities for 2012. 

An estimated 24% of those surveyed said they were able to set aside enough money to go five or more months without a paycheck and still pay their bills. Even so, one in three said they could not go any amount of time without a paycheck before resorting to skipping bill payments.

As a result, many Americans may have focused their income on meeting more immediate expenses. Only 5% say the economic downturn caused their mortgage or rent payments to suffer, and only 14% indicated that the recession affected their ability to pay their debts.

"Years of rising expenses and stagnant income understandably make it difficult to save and plan for the future," says Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning for Bloomington, Ill.-based Country Financial. "The good news is Americans are planning to address their long-term retirement goals and rebuild their savings."

Brannan advised consumers that "it's now time to buckle down and revisit your financial plan. If you don't have one, your New Year's resolution should be to create a tangible plan you can follow to navigate this economic environment."

According to the survey, a lack of reserves might be why nearly 50% of Americans are worried about meeting fiscal obligations this year. Nearly 30% say their personal savings and investments have suffered the most because of the economic downturn, while 25% said their savings for retirement were the second-most-affected area.

Although Americans have different fiscal concerns for 2012, some are more optimistic than others.

Gen Y: Only 40% are worried about meeting financial obligations. Still, 31% of those age 18 to 29 say their personal savings and investments were the hardest hit.

Gen X: An estimated 50% of 30- to 39-year-olds and 31% of 40- to 49-year-olds say they couldn't go any amount of time between jobs and still pay their bills.

Baby Boomers: An estimated 37% of those nearing retirement age (50 to 64) say their retirement savings have suffered most.

Retirees: For those most likely in retirement (typically 65 or older) an estimated 41% claim their personal savings and investments suffered most. However, an estimated 38% said they are the least worried about fulfilling their fiscal obligations.

Country Financial offers financial products and services ranging from auto, home and life insurance to retirement planning services, investment management and annuities.

--Jim McConville