Americans are enjoying one of the sweetest economies in more than a half century. A child born in 1982 started life at the birth of today's bull market. During the 16 years of that child's life, the bull market has proved the greatest in U.S. history.
Mortgage rates are near historic lows.
Unemployment rates are low. Home ownership rates are high. And credit is available to consumers at greater levels than at any time in the nation's history. In short, there seems to be little sense of urgency to plan for the future, pay off credit card debt and put aside money for retirement or other needs. Good times, stability and even affluence don't necessarily spur people to plan for their financial future.