The grass is always greener on the other side of the New Year.
American investors are optimistic about their finances in 2016 despite anticipating major life changes, according to a study by the Hartford Funds.
According to the study, 44 percent of U.S. investors believe their over financial situation will improve in 2016, while just 14 percent of respondents think their financial situation will worsen. And 54 percent feel very or somewhat confident about their investments moving forward.
Not that respondents harbor notions of stability: 39 percent expect to experience a significant life event next year. Almost one-in-five are dealing with aging parents, and 18 percent of respondents under the age of 45 expect a parent or child to move into their home in 2016.
Many of those surveyed worry that their financial situation could be impacted by external factors. Thirty percent of investors expect global events to have the largest impact on their finances, 25 percent said stock market volatility, 18 percent economic growth, 14 percent interest rates and 13 percent expect the presidential election to have the most significant effect on their finances.
Next year, 91 percent of investors between the ages of 18-44 and 89 percent between 45-59 plan on paying down debt, reviewing and adjusting investments, spending less, saving more, and/or downsizing their lives.
Respondents ages 60 and older were less likely to take action, according to the study.
Hartford Funds partnered with ORC International to survey 778 U.S. investors between November 12 and 18.