Job security still a tender topic, Bankrate study reveals

Homes follow jobs, and Americans are still skittish about their long-term employment outlook, according to Bankrate’s Financial Security Index.

While 29 percent of those interviewed by Bankrate said their overall financial situation is better today when compared to a year ago (26 percent), 22 percent of those surveyed said they have less job security compared to 20 percent a year ago.

The Financial Security Index, which measures Americans’ attitudes about their own financial situations, hit 99.9, its highest score since reaching 98.5 in May 2011.

“Overall, there are several positives that can be taken from this month’s report,” said Greg McBride, Bankrate’s senior financial analyst. Americans are feeling better about the money they have in the bank and in their investment portfolios, and they’re also feeling better about what they owe. However, job security is still a pain point, and there are plenty of reasons to worry that we might be headed into a third straight weak summer for the economy. The trouble spots include jobs, high gas prices, the ongoing European debt crisis and more.”

Americans are more comfortable with their debt levels today than they were in June of 2011, although households with $50,000 or more in income are reportedly feeling more comfortable than other groups.

Those under 30 are more comfortable with their savings, compared to those age 50 and up.