If you find it hard to save, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, many Americans think about saving for the future, but few actually do it. The Braun Research and Bank of America survey is a revealing portrait of how residents of major metropolitan cities view money and the importance of saving. Some of the findings:
* New Yorkers stress over money, but they also tend to be spendthrifts, putting their savings toward pampering. Conversely, 36 percent of New Yorkers save for education expenses versus 27 percent for the average American.
* Los Angeles residents’ highest priority is paying bills, but they also tend to put money aside for special occasions.
* San Franciscans are less inclined to set financial goals, but 64 percent of residents are saving for retirement, compared to 55 percent of Americans in general.
* Residents of Miami are worried about saving for themselves and their families, but just 23 percent are actually saving.
* Chicagoans are three times more likely to comparison shop to find the best price and think of themselves as frugal. Twenty-four percent of Chicago residents use direct deposit to help save...