The U.S. personal savings rate rose to 3.3 percent in September,according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The Septembersavings rate marks a slight increase over the August monthlymeasurement of 2.8 percent and it remained well above the rate fromthis time last year. In September 2008, consumers saved $140.3billion, or 1.3 percent. September personal savings were $355.6billion, posting an increase of $215.3 billion.

Recent data shows that nearly 25 percent of Americans do notfeel confident that they have done an ideal job preparing for theirretirements. Overall, less than 1 in 4 workers are very confidentthey will be able to live the kind of life they want in retirement,a compelling indicator that Americans must re-examine their savingsstrategies if they are to attain a sound financial future.

“The good news with the numbers released is that personalsavings clearly continues to be a priority for the vast majority ofAmericans, many of whom are still concerned about the overall stateof the economy and their individual financial stability,” saidCathy Weatherford, CEO and president of the Insured RetirementInstitute (IRI). “And while savings have more than doubled overthis time last year, we are seeing a slight decline from the recordrates earlier this year.”

Consumers and financial advisors looking for retirement planningresources can find information, tips and interactive tools onlineat www.IRIonline.org.