MassMutual Study Finds Hispanics Optimistic About Financial Future

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hispanics are feeling positive about their financial situation, according to new research commissioned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), despite the slow growth in wages and still rebounding economy. The study examined the perceptions Hispanics have of their finances today as compared to the past, and how prepared they are for emergencies.

Part of a comprehensive research platform to foster a deep understanding of today's diverse families and the trends that may affect their finances in the coming decade, the survey results found that most Hispanics (74 percent) feel they are better off financially now than they were three years ago and may be better prepared for potential financial crises.

"Hispanics are gaining financial confidence, and we want to ensure that they will feel even more prepared for their financial future," said Dr. Chris Mendoza, Vice President, Multicultural Market Development.

The top reasons why Hispanics feel more optimistic about their financial future this year than they did three years ago include getting a new job (40 percent), receiving a promotion or raise (34 percent) or gaining money on investments (18 percent). Some of this financial optimism could also be partially attributed to perceived preparedness – as most Hispanics say they have a plan to bounce back from financial challenges (85 percent).

Other key findings indicating how prepared Hispanics are to weather financial crises include:

Having sources of income that can be leveraged to come back from a financial calamity:

Almost half (45 percent) indicate they'd lean on their savings accounts in moments of need.
Only 18 percent have taken out a loan from a bank.
Only 13 percent have taken money out of a life insurance policy or retirement fund, when faced with a financial challenge.
Very few would first cut contributions to a 401k or retirement savings (12 percent), if an unexpected financial challenge arose.

When faced with financial challenges, Hispanics are most likely to give up:

Taking out-of-town vacations (60 percent)
Buying lunch out (56 percent)
Going out with friends (51 percent)
Eliminating the purchase of premium foods/beverages (43 percent)

On building a resilient financial plan for the future:

More than half (54 percent) of Hispanics put money into a savings account to bounce back from financial challenges.
53 percent learned from their mistakes as they went along.

"Having a plan to recover from unexpected challenges is important to keeping you and your family on track toward long-term goals," said Dr. Mendoza, "but it's also critical to look at what's truly important -- the people whom you care about, the aspirations you have, the things you want to protect and the support you'd like to give to others. The first step is to get informed and educated about financial matters to make smart decisions about today and tomorrow," he concluded.

MassMutual offers various educational programs, such as the FutureSmart Challenge, the Career Pathways programs, Junior Achievement, LifeBridge^(SM) Free Life Insurance Program, and MassMutual Scholars Program, which help provide education and resources to children and families across the U.S.

To learn more about preparing for your financial future, visit massmutual.com/planningtools or in Spanish at massmutual.com/Espanol. Locate a financial professional near you at massmutual.com/secure/locateanoffice.

Study Methodology

The "Financial Resiliency" research survey was commissioned by MassMutual and conducted by KRC Research in January 2015 via online surveys among 2,616 adults in the US ages 18+, including an oversample of 727 Hispanic adults.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyowners consistently since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.