The youngest American adults, 18-29 year-olds, are more likely to choose cash as their favorite long-term investment than any other age group, according to a new Bankrate.com report. Thirty-nine percent say cash is their preferred way to invest money they don't need for at least 10 years. That's three times the number who picked the stock market, despite the fact that the S&P 500 has gained 17% over the past year while most cash investment yields remain below one percent.

"The preference for cash and aversion to the stock market among young adults is very troubling considering this age group has the biggest retirement savings burden. They won't get there without being willing to assume a little short-term price risk in their long-term money," said Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate.com's chief financial analyst.

Overall, one in four Americans prefer cash investments for money they will not need for at least 10 years. Cash slightly edged out real estate (23%) for the top spot, while stocks came in third with 19% of the vote. Fourteen percent of Americans say they would invest in gold and other precious metals and just five percent say they would choose bonds.

"The stock market records are getting the attention of some investors, as the percentage favoring the stock market increased to 19% from 14% last year," McBride added. "But overall, Americans are still risk-averse when it comes to how they invest their money."

The Bankrate.com Financial Security Index dipped from 101.5 in June to 100.1 in July, but clings to a level that indicates improved financial security compared to one year ago. Any reading above 100 indicates improvement in financial security, while any figure below indicates deterioration. The Financial Security Index has registered above 100 in five of the seven months so far in 2014.

• Four of the five components of financial security – job security, comfort level with debt, net worth and overall financial situation – showed improvement compared to last year.
• Compared to June 2014, all components of financial security declined slightly except for job security.
• Men voice feelings of improved financial security over the past year, while women feel their financial security has deteriorated.
• Savings continues to be a sore spot for most Americans, with those feeling less comfortable with their savings outnumbering those feeling more comfortable by a two-to-one margin.

The survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) and can be seen in its entirety here:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/consumer-index/financial-security-charts-0714.aspx