By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Worries about current events are leading to worries about personal finances for a majority of Illinoisans, according to the latest Country Financial Security Survey.

The poll shows two-thirds of Illinoisans are worried about the financial future based on what they are hearing in the news. The survey also shows half of Illinoisans don’t include retirement in their long term investment goals, which Country Financial representative Matt Potts said is scary.

“It’s great we are living longer, but if you haven’t planned properly than can definitely be a major issue down the road,” Potts said. “People now could have the potential to be retired longer than they worked.”

Potts said Illinoisans’ top financial concerns are affording healthcare costs, unexpected expenses, and taking desired vacations.

The survey added more than one-third of Illinoisans (36 percent) worry they have to delay retirement or work until they die.

“Americans need to seek financial guidance now so they can eliminate the fear of never being able to retire,” said Doyle Williams, an executive vice president at Country Financial. “By taking some simple steps almost everyone can put a plan in place to secure their financial future.”

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].