Women more pessimistic than men on finances

The economy may be improving, but when it comes to overall financial security, women still are more likely than men to see the glass as half empty, according to a new survey by Bankrate.com.

"We are seeing improved readings in terms of financial security from the population as a whole, women in general still tend to have feelings that are more pessimistic. They actually have a feeling of financial security deterioration over the past 12 months," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst Bankrate.com.

This is not just unique to this month. It has been consistent throughout the year.

"Studies have shown that when it comes to investing, for example, men tend to be much more over-confident. Also, the reality for women is that their life spans are longer, they're more likely to be out of the workforce at some point in time and they're more likely to be single parents or caring for an aging parent," McBride said. "I think you see all those realities reflected in how they feel about their financial security."

Bankrate's Financial Security Index came in at 102, the highest level since March and the third highest reading of 2014. Any reading above 100 indicates improved financial security compared to one year ago. Any reading below 100 indicates deterioration over the preceding year.

Bankrate looked at sentiment in five categories: job security, comfort level with savings, comfort level with debt, net worth and overall financial situation. Women were less optimistic than men in all five categories. While men's and women's feelings of financial security, 104.1 and 99.9 respectively, both posted improved readings over those of one month ago, when looking at the past 12 months, women's feelings showed a deterioration.