Princeton Survey Research Associates International conducted a study into the personal finance habits of 1,003 Americans on behalf of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Here are some of the findings:

• Less than half have ever ordered their credit reports.
• Less than 40% use monthly budgets.
• Almost 1/3 don't know the interest rate on their credit cards.
• Nearly half saw no need for further financial education (A deadly combination of arrogance and ignorance)
• 1/3 expressed a desire to learn more about money.
• Four in ten credit card holders don't pay the full amount due each month.
• 59% reported that they usually pay the full balance rather than incur interest and finance charges on their credit cards.
• More than 1/3 of respondents had received financial guidance from professionals.

These numbers are pretty scary -- With the vast majority of credit reports containing errors, people are flushing money down the toilet in the form of higher interest rates by not making sure their credit scores are as high as they should be. The survey indicates that 1/3 or respondents didn't know the interest rate on their credit cards, and I have a hunch that a large percentage of that third are part of the four in ten credit card holders who don't pay the full amount each month. People who aren't knowledgeable about their finances tend not to be responsible either.

If you're reading this site, chances are you at least make an effort to be on top of your financial situation. But you also probably know someone who isn't. If you have knowledge of financial matters, offer to help those less fortunate. You could be the difference between poverty and a comfortable retirement for them.

Survey says: Many Americans ignore their finances originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.