FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Active-duty servicemembers are responding to the ongoing economic turmoil by shifting to a less risky approach to family finances.

The First Command Financial Behaviors Index reveals that 52 percent of middle-class military families (senior NCOs and commissioned officers in pay grades E-6 and above with household incomes of at least $50,000) are taking a more conservative attitude toward money as a result of the economy. Top fiscal strategies reported by middle-class military families include:

This more conservative approach to spending and investing comes at a time with many middle-class military families are reporting strong feelings of financial security month to month. The Index reveals that 52 percent of survey respondents do not feel financially stretched and 41 percent feel extremely or very secure financially.

Amid continuing news reports of a global economic crisis and defense downsizing, military families are taking control of their own financial well-being, said Scott Spiker, CEO of First Command. We are seeing a focus on the kinds of conservative spending, saving and investing behaviors that can help active-duty families lower their monetary risks. And as a result they are feeling better about their monthly finances.

About the First Command Financial Behaviors Index

Compiled by Sentient Decision Science, Inc., the First Command Financial Behaviors Index assesses trends among the American publics financial behaviors, attitudes and intentions through a monthly survey of approximately 530 U.S. consumers aged 25 to 70 with annual household incomes of at least $50,000. Results are reported quarterly. The margin of error is +/- 4.3 percent with a 95 percent level of confidence. http://www.firstcommand.com/research

About Sentient Decision Science, Inc.

Sentient Decision Science was commissioned by First Command to compile the Financial Behaviors Index. SDS is a behavioral science and consumer psychology consulting firm with special vertical expertise within the financial services industry. SDS specializes in advanced research methods and statistical analysis of behavioral and attitudinal data.

About First Command

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Economy Prompts Military Families To Reduce Financial Risks, First Command Reports