By YOUNG MONEY Staff
27 July 2011

According to a survey created by the personal finance website MainStreet in association with the National Endowment for Financial Education, saving money for one's retirement is the ultimate financial goal of many adults in the United States. Specifically, 47 percent of American adults surveyed affirmed hopes for a financially comfortable retirement.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, took place from June 28 to 30 and was completed by 2,257 adults in the U.S. aged 18 and up. It defied previous preconceived notions of the ultimate financial "American Dream," which typically characterized ownership of a home as the chief goal of most American adults. Only 17 percent of survey respondents prized home ownership above other goals.

Many of the survey's respondents appeared to express worry regarding their personal finances. 70 percent cited problems with saving money, while 54 percent claimed that poor management of their debt was a significant hurdle to overcome in their retirement savings. 57 percent of those surveyed believed themselves to be on their way to achieving their own "American Dream."

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) advises against early withdrawals from retirement planning accounts such as 401(k) and IRA plans to optimize retirement savings.