Save up

A survey from Ameritrade suggests 75% of Americans will include a financial-related resolution in their 2010 New Year’s resolutions.

Tops on the list were Hispanic Americans and African Americans, with a total of 56% reporting they are more likely to make a resolution about personal finances in 2010 than they were in 2009, compared to 32% of White Americans who reported the same.

“Perhaps we’re seeing signs of the lessons learned from a struggling economy. Investor confidence took a hit during the recession, but rather than feeling discouraged, people are using this as motivation to get on track and be better prepared for the future,” Diane Young, director, retirement and goal planning at TD Ameritrade, said in a statement.

The survey also revealed an increase in the number of women who plan to save more money this year – 66%, up from 60% last year. This compares to the 59% of male respondents who plan to save more money, which showed no change year over year.

Ameritrade conducted a survey of  1,002 adults who are age 21 or older. The phone survey was conducted September 24-27, 2009.

OTHER SURVEY FINDINGS
• Additionally, 52% of young Americans (ages 18-34) are more likely to make a New Year’s resolution about personal finances in 2010 – more than any other age group.

• Overall, 27% of respondents resolve to start or build on retirement savings, such as 401(k) or IRA, compared to 21% in 2009.

• Overall, 22% plan to start or build an investment portfolio, such as stocks or mutual funds, compared to 13 percent in 2009.

• 38% of Hispanics resolved to start or build an investment portfolio, such as stocks or mutual funds in 2010, compared to 10% who resolved to do the same in 2009.

• 43% of African Americans resolved to start or build an investment portfolio, such as stocks or mutual funds in 2010, compared to 26% who resolved to do the same in 2009.

• When asked how well they stuck to last year’s personal finance resolution, 60% reported they are still going strong.