The results of a national survey in August and September provide additional confirmation that economic concerns are the top worry on the minds of consumers in America. The Center for Food Integrity released their findings on the top eleven issues. The mean scores are between zero and 10 with the higher scores being of the greatest concern.

The top five issues all had a score above 8 on the scale. These include:

The U.S. Economy (8.44)

Americans’ concern over how much money they have is not relenting even though it appears that there might be a positive track to some parts of the economy. Unemployment and underemployment are at the root of many household financial problems and job increases have yet to be witnessed.

Rising Energy Costs (8.29)

Also still impacting the wallets of buyers is energy costs. This includes not only gas prices at the pumps for their vehicles, but also costs for heating and cooling homes as well. With colder weather just around the corner for the upper part of the U.S., this figures to be an even greater concern.

Rising Costs of Food (8.23)

Increases in the prices of food from the grocery stores makes consumers nervous about being able to provide nutritious meals at an affordable cost. And, at a time when families are being hounded about healthier lifestyles, this puts the concepts of money and proper eating at odds since unhealthy foods are also lower in cost.

Rising Health Care Costs (8.21)

Those who have insurance are worried about the constant cost increases. Medical bills add up quickly from simple doctor’s office visits and there is also worry about how they would pay for catastrophic medical events.

Personal Financial Situation (8.04)

Being able to pay bills and provide for the needs of their families is a high concern as families look for ways to cut back on non-essentials.

In the study, consideration was given to food safety at 7.67, Obesity at 6.37 and Global warming in last place at 6.05.

All of this underscores the fact that Americans are not swayed by small economic gains that they hear about in the news. There is still a large portion of Americans going through foreclosures as well as bankruptcies. Defaults on loans are high as well as write-offs by credit card companies on noncollectable debt.

While the gloom and doom is evident, American families are still able to survive by being creative and making their money stretch farther than ever. The hope is that the economy will pick up soon so that jobs can be found that will provide an adequate income to put money back into the pockets of consumers.

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