According to the Household Financial Planning Survey, a national survey released by the Consumer Federation of America and Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., the recent recession and current economy have left many American families struggling to make ends meet and to save for the future. However, those who have prepared a personal financial plan feel more confident and report more success managing money, savings and investments than those who have not. The survey examines American households’ financial priorities, savings and preparedness on a series of financial goals, including emergencies, retirement, education and major purchases. It specifically explores the impact of financial planning on household financial decision makers’ outlook, as well as outcomes, across a range of incomes. The survey draws comparisons to a similar one conducted in 1997.