A survey by the U.S. Financial Planning Association finds that 55% of Americans consider financial planning to be more important to them personally now than one year ago.

The national survey commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America and the FPA also revealed that 53% believe that, as a result of the September 11 attacks, it is personally more important to have a financial plan.

Nearly all Americans (92%) consider financial planning to be important personally, and 65% consider this planning to be “very important.” Even higher percentages of those in moderate-income ($35,000-50,000 annual income) households (73%) and African-Americans (77%) believe financial planning to be very important.

“The growing importance of financial planning for most Americans is so important because those who plan accumulate less consumer debt and save more than those who don’t,” said Stephen Brobeck, CFA executive director. “Our survey reinforces earlier research that September 11 has made Americans more, not less, financially prudent.”

The survey was completed for CFA and FPA by Opinion Research Corporation International during the period March 7-10. The sample of 1007 persons was representative of all American adults living in private households. The margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points.