A County Financial Security survey shows 

By Eric Stock 

BLOOMINGTON – Many New Year's resolutions have probably already come and gone, by it appears more Americans are resolved to be more disciplined with their money this year. 

Seven in 10 Americans surveyed by Country Financial in January say they will set a budget and stick to it this year. Country's Director of Wealth Management Troy Frerichs said that kind of discipline is a sign of an economic recovery. 

"There's been a bit of pessimism built into some of these surveys and finally you are getting some optimism after the past couple of years," Frerichs said, citing a rise in consumer confidence and job openings along with a drop in gas prices. 

Three in 10 surveyed said they planned to become debt free in 2015, while 85 percent said their financial situation will be at least as good as in 2014. 

Frerichs said that's due in part to good habits that have already proven beneficial. 

"It looks like success breeds success," Frerichs said. "When you look at some of the people who said they accomplished some or all of their financial goals last year, about 80 percent said they are likely to set a budget and stick to it."

The survey said millenials are the most optimistic about their future. 

Giving 

The survey suggests charitable giving could take a backseat for some in 2015. 

It showed 58 percent of Americans plan to donate time or money to charity this year. If that's the case, that's a sharp decline for the 83 percent of the population who said they donated their money in 2013. 

"Holding back might be from worries on financial security, wanting to make sure you are saving for a rainy day or putting money away to pay best as opposed to giving it to charity," Frerichs said. 

Frerichs said if giving back is a goal, you have to plan for it as you would any financial goal. 

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].