The report cites two in three (64 percent) have taken action to reduce their healthcare expenses, including holding off going to the doctor (55 percent), postponing an elective surgery (26 percent) or changing to a less expensive healthcare plan (25 percent).
In addition, more than half (55 percent) of respondents say that they are spending less on discretionary items such as dining out, vacations and gifts, and 43 percent have reduced their credit card debt.
America's financial meltdown was a wake-up call for many middle-income Boomers and according to the study, nearly half (47 percent) of those surveyed expect that the changes they have made in their financial behavior will most likely be permanent.
But the current economic uncertainty continues to be a major cause for concern for many pre-retirees, especially middle-income women. The CSR's study found that women ages 47 to 65 tend to have more financial worries about retirement than men. Their most pressing concerns include inflation, living longer than their savings and declines in the stock market.
"Adequately planning and saving for retirement now is the best defense against life's unexpected financial burdens later," said Scott Perry, president of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer. "Set a clear retirement goal with realistic expectations and remember to revisit your plan on a periodic basis to address changes in your personal situation and the world around us."
