The steep rise of health care costs in recent years
is apparently making it harder for Americans to save money.
A quarterly poll of shareholders by the National
Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC) has found that 60% of women
and 53% of men say they are saving less because of health care costs.
The survey, which took responses from 1,100
investors who own individual stocks or stock mutual funds, found that
87% of respondents felt that health care costs would increase over the
next year.
The survey's authors noted that these responses come
at about the time that the U.S. personal savings rate has fallen to its
second-lowest record in history.
"With health care costs currently outpacing
inflation, it is important to note effects on shareholders and their
investment decisions," says Ken Janke, NAIC chairman.