The stock market might have rebounded since the financial crisis, but according to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index survey, many Americans are still wary of investing or simply are unable to get started. Just over half of Americans (51 percent) say they do not invest in the stock or bond markets in any way.

401(k) account balances have gone up 93 percent, nearly double since the economic downturn in 2009, according to the latest research from the Principal Financial Group. While much of the increase reflects a rebounding market, the study found a significant increase in participation and savings rates since the market collapse, with account balances rising 17 percent in 2013 alone, to an average of $54,000.

Skills Gap Plays Key Role in Hiring Difficulties

Nearly half of financial- services companies are struggling to fill certain positions, but the reasons behind their recruiting challenges are nuanced, according to a new survey by MoneyJobs.com, CareerBuilder’s job site for finance and accounting professionals.

For now, the economic and political climate looks favorable.  Our article, detailing an overview of our perspective on the economic, investment, tax, and estate planning issues of the New Year, is available on the web at ljpr.com/outlook.

A new survey of investors who are currently working shows that concerns about rising health-care costs, changes to Social Security and/or Medicare, and running out of money are among the greatest financial worries in retirement. The percentage citing these concerns increased since prior surveys.

Financial advisors say women and individuals under the age of 45 are much less knowledgeable about personal finance than male and older investors. This is according to the first financial literacy flash survey conducted by AdviceIQ, in recognition of Financial Literacy Month, currently under way.

According to the annual New Year’s Resolution Survey from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, a staggering 84 percent of Americans surveyed said that they will not include financial planning in their resolutions this year. This lack of financial focus is at the highest level in the survey’s four-year history, exceeding the 80 percent of respondents who ignored financial planning when making resolutions for 2012 and 67 percent from the inaugural 2009 survey.

As 2012 comes to a close, investors are looking forward to 2013 and forecasting the potential direction of the economy and financial markets. However, much of the U.S. economic outlook in 2013 will depend on what happens in Washington in the next few weeks, with the looming fiscal cliff and its Dec. 31 deadline.

American investors seeking sustained growth in their portfolios should follow in the footsteps of Starbucks and continue to look to the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), says Nigel Green, the chief executive of the deVere Group, an independent financial advisory group.

Ike Trotter, financial advisor, spoke to NAIFA audience members about the importance and misconceptions of estate planning.