With Halloween just around the corner, it's interesting to learn what Americans fear a lot. When it comes to financial matters, 83 percent have at least one financial fear that is keeping them up at night, according to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index.

What's the spookiest of them all? Thirty percent of Americans say their biggest fear is being able to retire comfortably, followed by healthcare expenses (19 percent) and affording rent/mortgage (11 percent).

Money talk can be so scary that 59 percent of Americans would rather discuss "the birds and the bees" with a stranger than their personal financial situation (39 percent). This is especially true of women, as 63 percent share this preference compared to 55 percent of men.

While financial concerns may change, lessen or subside as one gets older, it seems they never go away completely, the survey notes. Forty-three percent of those 65+ say healthcare expenses are their greatest worry – ahead of affording rent or a mortgage, and a child's education.

On the other end of the spectrum, Millennials’ concerns are more focused on job security and paying for housing, as well as being able to retire comfortably.

"As Americans meet financial goals throughout their lifetime, they have less financial hurdles to worry about," says Joe Buhrmann, manager of financial security at COUNTRY Financial. "However, even at earlier stages in life, it's important to take a long-term view and make sure to plan ahead for retirement and healthcare expenses, as these concerns become front of mind at older ages."

"Americans of all ages may find a few 'monsters in the closet' or 'goblins under the bed'," says Joe Buhrmann, Manager of Financial Security at COUNTRY Financial. "Younger Americans may find themselves saddled with debt or job insecurity, and as we age, major concerns like retirement and healthcare expenses can take center stage. In any case, taking a long-term view and having a game plan can really provide a solid sense of security."

The pressure of financial success

Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) Americans feel pressure to contend with family and friends financially. This is especially true of Millennials--59 percent feel pressure to keep up with the Jones', the highest rate of any age group.

Despite financial fears, anxiety around discussing financial topics and pressure to keep up with family and friends, a majority of Americans (70 percent) say they have not lied about their financial situation.

Among those who have, the most common tall tales told were about debt and their paycheck. Forty-five percent of Americans who have lied said it was about their debt level, while 39 percent weren't honest about how much money they make.

Since 2007, the COUNTRY Financial Security Index has measured Americans' sentiments of their personal financial security. The Index also delves deeper into individual personal finance topics to better inform Americans about the issues impacting their finances. Survey data, videos and analysis are available at www.countryfinancialsecurityblog.com and on Twitter at @hellocountry.

The COUNTRY Financial Security Index was created by COUNTRY Financial and is compiled by GfK, an independent research firm. Surveys were conducted using GfK's KnowledgePanel®, a national, probability-based panel designed to be representative of the general population and includes responses from approximately 1,000 U.S. adults for national surveys.

Ayo Mseka
Editor in-Chief