For the first time in five years, more Americans are confident they can achieve a secure retirement, a recent Country Financial survey found.
Thirty-five percent of Americans now think retirement is achievable for middle-income families, up from 29 percent this time last year and the first increase since 2007, according to the survey of 3,000 Americans.
Positive signs that the nation is in recovery have contributed to the rise, said Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning for Country. Individuals also have taken personal actions -- such as revisiting and adjusting their own retirement plans -- to secure their future, Brannan said.
More than half of Americans have either maintained or increased the amount of money they contribute to their nest eggs, also a rise from last year, according to the data.
"It's encouraging many are taking a proactive approach to retirement's new realities," said Brannan.
Nearly four in 10 Americans will not have to delay their retirement despite of the economic downturn, the survey found, versus 25 percent of Americans who must delay retirement by at least three years.
Most of the respondents surveyed, 55 percent, indicated they expect to work part-time jobs during retirement to augment their savings.
Brannan said that individuals can take steps to boost their confidence regarding their retirement by working with a financial planner and regularly updating long-term savings plans.
"And sticking to it," Brannan said. "Almost everyone can adapt to economic changes and achieve a secure retirement."
