A new study reveals Americans are not taking steps to ensure financial security. Freedom from the stress of money is the top dream for their future (59 percent), but more than 2 in 5 Americans polled have less than $1000 in their savings accounts.

Economists around the world are predicting another market slump, but most of us (4 in 5) don't feel that we could survive another market downturn. At the same time, we haven't adopted any better financial habits since the Great Recession.

But saving can be fun – and many people say it's more rewarding than losing weight. So what's the disconnect and how do we get back on track?

For answers in this episode, we turn to nationally recognized money expert, Stefanie O'Connell, author of the book, The Broke and Beautiful Life.