A quarterly index produced by Country Insurance & Financial Services shows that St. Louisans are more optimistic about their financial security than other Americans, the Bloomington, Ill., company said Tuesday.

However, St. Louisans’ feelings of security declined from a year ago to 68.5 from 72.5 . The survey showed that 78 percent of area residents are confident in their ability to pay their debts as they come due, and 67 percent feel they have the resources for a comfortable retirement. Fifty-four percent were able to set aside money for savings or investments recently, up slightly from the last survey in December.

Nationally, the index showed its second monthly decline in confidence about financial security, with more than half rating their situation as fair or poor.

The biggest drop in feelings of security was among those with incomes of $40,000 to $60,000, with just 44 percent rating their level of security as good or excellent.

The survey’s full results are available at www.countryfinancialsecurityindex.com.