According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2017 Planning and Progress Study, 43 percent of Americans say the U.S. economy will be better this year than last, up from 31 percent who said the same thing last year. And fewer people believe there will likely be more financial crises on the way: 67 percent of this year’s respondents versus 76 percent in 2016.

This optimism continues on a personal level, as 72 percent say they feel financially secure. On the flip side, however, this means more than a quarter – 28 percent – feel at least some level of financial insecurity. More than half feel their financial security will change in the next year, with 38 percent feeling they’ll be more financially secure next year and 19 percent saying they’ll be less secure.

While most Americans have a positive economic outlook for the next year, their long-term view is a little less optimistic. This year, less than half – 48 percent – of surveyed adults said the “American Dream” is attainable for most people. In 2009, the first year Northwestern Mutual conducted this survey, 58 percent said it was attainable.

“It appears we’re at a financial flashpoint in America,” said Rebekah Barsch, vice president of planning at Northwestern Mutual. “In the near-term, people clearly feel a little better about the stability of the U.S. economy. At the same time, there’s a drop in longer-term optimism around the attainability of the American Dream.  Combined, it’s a mix of improvement in the moment with uncertainty about the future.”

Perhaps because of their overall rosy economic outlook, the study found that many Americans are being less disciplined in their financial habits and aren’t setting up long-term financial plans.

Even though most Americans think we’ll face another financial crisis at some point, only half think they need a financial plan that anticipates up and down cycles in the economy, down from 57 percent last year. Also, not everyone who thinks they need a plan designed for highs and lows has one – only 43 percent said they currently have a retirement or financial plan designed to endure market cycles and only 41 percent said their long-term saving strategy includes a mix of high- and low-risk investments, down from 47 percent last year.

Retirement is one of the biggest sources of financial stress among American workers, but too many employers simply offer a 401(k) or similar retirement plan and call it good. Workers need to understand how these accounts work and how they fit into a larger long-term financial plan. It’s up to employers – and their HR executives, in particular – to make sure their employees know how to use their retirement benefits and help them build a plan that will reduce financial stress, weather market fluctuations and ensure a comfortable retirement.

Figuring out how to save for retirement causes financial stress for your employees.

A recent survey suggests many are feeling OK about their retirement savings — but they’re not feeling great or that they can stop saving for retirement but still be okay when retirement day arrives.

The 27th annual Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that six out of 10 employees are very or somewhat confident about their ability to afford a comfortable retirement, but only 18 percent are very confident.

Still, three out of 10 employees say thinking about saving for retirement causes them to feel financial stress. Another three in 10 say they think about this financial stress at work and about half say it makes them less productive in the office.

The financial stress caused by wondering whether you’re saving enough money for retirement is a big issue for employers, because it diverts employees’ attention, causing a reduction in retention, engagement and productivity – especially if their existing retirement or financial wellness programs aren’t working to fix the problem.

Here’s how you can help.

Where did your employees learn how to manage their finances? While many – about 43 percent – say they learned about finances from their parents, almost 17 percent say they only learned these important lessons after facing financial hardship and about 3 percent were never taught anything about managing their finances. It turns out that not learning these lessons well has a big impact on debt.

How many of your workers struggle with financial stress? The answer could be more than you think! Learn how it’s impacting your employees’ lives.

Building a budget is the first step toward “adulting,” but it’s one Millennial employees struggle with. Here are some of the budgeting questions they’re asking Best Money Moves Founder and CEO Ilyce Glink.

Does your state require paid sick leave? Those laws could be changing soon in six states where legislators are considering bills to make this employee benefit a requirement. Is your state on the list?

Now THAT’s how you show employee appreciation! Porsche announced last week that they’re rewarding 21,000 employees with significant bonuses after the company had a particularly successful year in 2016. Here’s what the company’s executives had to say about the initiative.

Your office’s chairs are hurting your employees’ health. The average American worker spends about 12 hours a day sitting. Why sitting is the new office health epidemic.

PowerPoint presentations for employee training don’t cut it anymore. Employees want interactive learning solutions – not lengthy presentations in a conference room. How to transform your corporate learning program.

Bigger companies offer better retirement plans, right? Wrong! An analysis of 500,000 company 401(k) plans found that small companies’ plans actually perform better than those at large companies. See who has the best-performing plans.

The whole point of offering employee benefits is to reduce stress, whether it’s about retirement, healthcare or debt. Check out seven wellness benefits to maintain your employees’ zen.

Have something to add? Email info@bestmoneymoves.com.

It’s hard to stay on top of everything in the news. That’s why each week our Best Money Moves newsroom will bring you the most important news in financial wellness, employee benefits and financial stress. We hope you like the information and, if you do, please spread the word. For midweek developments, follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.