Career military families are outpacing their civilian counterparts in retirement savings and financial confidence, according to the latest findings of the First Command Financial Behaviors Index.
Second quarter results, according to the Index, revealed that middle-class military families with household incomes of at least $50,000 who contribute to retirement and long-term savings accounts reported an average monthly savings of $1,229. That’s compares with $828 reported by the general population.
The index is based on a monthly survey of about 530 U.S. consumers aged 25 to 70. The survey was conducted by Compiled by Sentient Decision Science Inc.
It found that 60% of military respondents report feeling extremely or very confident in their ability to retire comfortably. In contrast, retirement confidence in the general population is 41%.
Moreover, the survey found that service members and their families are saving more than the general population for short-term goals ($501 per month versus $358). And while 75% of military families are extremely or very confident their financial situation will improve in the next year, only 44% of the general population feels that way.
Those working with a financial coach have a particularly high level of financial confidence, the Index said. It showed 79% feel extremely or very confident that their financial situation will improve in the next year, compared to 53% of their civilian counterpart. And 74% are confident in their ability to retire comfortably, while only 34% of the general population said the same.
Additionally, the Index indicated that middle-class military families with a financial advisor are more likely to have long-term and retirement savings and contribute more each month than those without financial advisors. Their average savings and retirement holdings total $231,000, or about $116,000 more than those without an advisor, according ot the index.