Americans are split when it comes to how the recession has affected their retirement savings strategy, a new survey has found.

A Country Financial survey reveals that while 48 percent have decreased the amount of money they are putting away for their golden years, an equal number have either increased (12 percent) or maintained their level of savings (35 percent).

Americans’ split reaction comes as 41 percent admit they are more confused about how to save for retirement after weathering the recession. Despite the confusion, more than half (53 percent) said the economic conditions will not force them to delay their retirement.

Of those who do anticipate postponing their golden years, 64 percent expect to wait more than three years longer than originally planned.

"While the recession is having an impact on people’s approach toward retirement, it’s encouraging to see many have been able to stay the course with their savings even in these tough times," said Keith Brannan, vice president of financial security planning for Country Financial. "It’s important to remember most families can build a secure future by taking actionable steps like developing a plan and updating it as their family’s financial needs change."

Americans appear to be making some changes. A majority (41 percent) said they have moved their money into less risky investments as a result of the recession.

Thirty percent of Americans believe it is possible for a middle-income family to save for a secure retirement, a five-point drop from 2009 and a seven point decline compared to 2007, when the survey began.

Those who said they are not involved in their family’s financial decisions tend to be much more pessimistic than those who are involved. Fifty-eight percent of those who aren’t involved in decisions say it is not possible for a middle-income family to have a secure retirement. And, for those who think their retirement will need to be delayed, 95 percent expect this postponement to last three years or more.

"As with anything else, people tend to feel better when they are better informed," said Brannan. "Developing an arrangement where you have at least some knowledge of your family’s finances can not only help you feel more at ease, but also can help alleviate tension about financial decisions your family makes."