U.S.: Half optimistic about finances

WHITING, Ind., Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Nearly half of U.S. adults say they are optimistic 2012 will be a better year for them financially than years past, a survey indicates.

The CouponCabin.com survey also indicates 37 percent said they do not think 2012 will be better financially, while 16 percent say they weren't sure.

Part of the financial optimism may be due to 39 percent saying they intend to take proactive steps to improve their finances in the coming months. Among their strategies are:

-- 77 percent say they intend to cut back on unnecessary expenses.

-- 62 percent foresee cutting back on "extras" such as eating out or going to the movies.

-- 54 percent say they will set a budget and stick to it.

-- 54 percent say they will use coupons.

-- 40 percent plan to make payments to get out of debt.

-- 21 percent plan to make investments in the stock market.

-- 8 percent say they will see a financial adviser.

-- 7 percent will open a savings account.

Thirty-seven percent say they feel less financially secure than they did at the beginning of the year, while 43 percent say they are neither more or less financially secure, and 21 percent say that when they look back at the start of 2011, they feel more financially secure this year.

The survey of 2,207 U.S. adults was conducted Nov. 14-16. No margin of error was provided.