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  4. Supplemental Appendixes to the Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 - May 2025 - Appendix A

Supplemental Appendixes to the Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 - May 2025 - Appendix B

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Appendix B: Consumer Responses to Survey Questions

Questions are listed below in order in which they were presented to respondents. Questions with fewer than 12,295 respondents were not asked to the full sample, and the question-specific screening criteria are available in appendix A. All data are weighted to yield estimates for the U.S. adult population.

Living Arrangements Section

Question L0. First, do each of the following people currently live with you?
Response Percent
My spouse or partner 64
My child(ren) under age 18 25
My adult child(ren) age 18 or older 18
My parent(s) 15
Other individuals 15

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295.

Question L0B. Other than your spouse or partner, children, or parents, are the people living with you:
Response Percent
Your brother(s) or sister(s) 48
Other relatives 35
Other people not related to you 34

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,579

Question L0C. How many children do you have who are under age 18 and currently live with you?
Response Percent
1 42
2 37
3 13
4 5
5 or more 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,784

Question L0E. How old is your youngest child that lives with you?
Response Percent
0 to 2 years old 23
3 to 5 17
6 to 12 34
13 to 17 27

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,784

General Well-Being Section

Question B2. Overall, which one of the following best describes how well you are managing financially these days?
Response Percent
Finding it difficult to get by 8
Just getting by 19
Doing okay 39
Living comfortably 34

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question B3. Compared to 12 months ago, would you say that you and your family are better off, the same, or worse off financially?
Response Percent
Much worse off 7
Somewhat worse off 22
About the same 48
Somewhat better off 18
Much better off 5

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question B3A. You said that you and your family are (somewhat/much) worse off financially compared to 12 months ago. What factors(s) have contributed to that? Please select all that apply.
Response Percent
My income is lower 28
My expenses are higher 82
The value of my assets decreased 13
I have more debt 36
Other (please specify) 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,536 maximum (differs by response)

Question B3B. You said that you (and your family) are (somewhat/much) better off financially compared to 12 months ago. What factor(s) have contributed to that? Please select all that apply.
Response Percent
My income is higher 59
My expenses are lower 24
The value of my assets increased 36
I have less debt 36
Other (please specify) 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,825 maximum (differs by response)

Question B7. How would you rate economic conditions today:
Response Percent
Poor Only fair Good Excellent
In your community 16 38 41 5
In this country 30 41 26 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question X12. Are each of the following a financial challenge or concern for you or your family?
Response Percent
Not a concern Minor concern Major concern
Finding or keeping a job 63 23 14
Increases in prices for things you buy 9 35 56
Housing costs or availability 40 29 31
Retirement savings 27 39 33
Making ends meet 39 34 27
Medical debt or affording medical care 44 33 23
Student loans or education costs 68 17 14

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,125

Question X13. In the prior question you indicated that finding or keeping a job and increases in prices for things you buy were both (minor concerns or major concerns). Between the two, are you:
Response Percent
More concerned about finding or keeping a job 23
More concerned about increases in prices for things you buy 36
Both are of equal concern 41

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,053

Caregiving Section

Question CG0. In the past week, did you use any paid childcare?
Response Percent
No 76
Yes 24

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,033

Question CG1A. In the past week, how many hours did you use paid childcare?
Response Percent
1 to 9 hours 19
10 to 19 hours 22
20 to 39 hours 26
40 hours or more 33

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 481

Question CG2. How much do you pay per week for childcare in total for all of your children?
  Dollar amount
Mean 325
Median 240

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 483

Question CG7. In the past week, did you use any of the following forms of unpaid childcare?
Response Percent
Child's grandparent 30
Child's sibling 9
Another relative other than the parent 11
A nonrelative such as a friend or neighbor 6
Headstart or another preschool that you don't pay for 3
Other unpaid childcare (please specify) 3
Did not use unpaid childcare 54

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,033

Question CG9. Does the (child's grandparents or child's relative) who provided unpaid care in the past week currently live with you?
Response Percent
No 22
Yes 78

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 133

Question CG8. In the past week, how many hours did you use the unpaid childcare you just mentioned?
Response Percent
1 to 9 hours 58
10 to 19 hours 21
20 to 39 hours 13
40 hours or more 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 932

Question CG3. When it comes to taking care of your children when they are at home, which of the following statements best describes the caretaking responsibilities?
Response Percent
I am usually the primary caretaker 35
My spouse/partner is usually the primary caretaker 19
My spouse/partner and I equally share caretaking responsibilities 46

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,744

Question CG4. Do you regularly provide unpaid help or take care of an adult relative or friend who needs assistance due to aging, disability, or illness?
Response Percent
No 83
Yes 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question CG5. Do you regularly provide unpaid help or care to each of the following people due to aging, disability, or illness?
Response Percent
Your parent 50
Your spouse's or partner's parent 27
Your spouse or partner 22
An adult child (age 18 or older) 14
Another relative 26
A friend or neighbor 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,139 maximum (differs by response)

Question CG6. About how often do you provide unpaid help or care to an adult relative or friend who needs assistance due to aging, disability, or illness?
Response Percent
Daily 34
Several days per week 27
Several days per month 27
Once per month 7
Less than once per month 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,139

Employment Section

Question D1A. Last month, did you do any work for either pay or profit?
Response Percent
No 40
Yes 60

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question D4. Last month, did you have more than one job, including part time, evening or weekend work?
Response Percent
No 81
Yes 19

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,066

Question D48. Thinking about all your jobs, do you usually work 35 hours or more per week?
Response Percent
No 22
Yes 78

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,066

Question D3B. Thinking about your main job (where you earn the most money), do you usually work 35 hours or more per week:
Response Percent
No 11
Yes 89

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,051

Question D1E. At any time during the past month, did you want to work more hours?
Response Percent
No 67
Yes 33

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question D22. Did each of the following contribute to you not working or working less than 35 hours per week in the last month?
Response Percent
Could not find (more) work 18
Full-time workweek less than 35 hours 7
Childcare 7
Caregiving for an elderly, disabled, or sick adult 8
Other family or personal obligations 17
Would lose access to unemployment benefits or other government programs 7
Health limitations or disability 22
In school or training 9
Retired 44

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,817 maximum (differs by response)

Question D3A. Think about your main job (the job from which you earned the most money in the past month). In this job, were you working for someone else, were you self-employed, or something else?
Response Percent
Working for someone else 85
Self-employed (working for myself) 11
Other work arrangement 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,066

Question D28. How often do each of these statements describe your work situation at your main job?
Response Percent
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
I can choose what tasks I work on 14 20 33 25 8
I can choose how I complete tasks at work 8 10 27 37 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,974

Question D30. Still thinking about your main job, do you normally start and end work around the same time each day that you work, or does it vary?
Response Percent
Normally work the same hours 73
Schedule varies, primarily at my request 10
Schedule varies, primarily based on my employer's needs 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,974

Question D47. Some employers restrict what their employees can do if they leave their job. In your main job, did you agree that if you leave your employer, you will not start or work for a competing business? This is often called a non-compete agreement.
Response Percent
Don't know 13
No 76
Yes 12

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,066

Question D34A. Thinking about the work you did last week, how much of it did you do by telecommuting or working from home?
Response Percent
None 59
Some 22
All 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,066

Question D36B. How likely would you be to actively look for another job or leave your job if your employer (kept your pay the same for a year/decreased your pay by 1 percent/5 percent/10 percent)?
Response Percent
Kept your pay the same for a year Decreased your pay by 1 percent Decreased your pay by 5 percent Decreased your pay by 10 percent
Very likely 14 22 36 46
Somewhat likely 31 28 29 29
Not that likely 35 34 24 16
Not at all likely 20 16 10 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,974

Question D44_f. (Think about any job in the past 12 months.) In the past 12 months, have you gotten laid off or lost a job (including a temporary layoff)?
Response Percent
No 94
Yes 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question D44. (Think about any job in the past 12 months.) In the past 12 months, have you:
Response Percent
Asked for a raise or a promotion 20
Received a raise or a promotion 52
Applied for a new job 23
Started a new job 14
Voluntarily left a job 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295 maximum (differs by response)

Question D37A. You indicated that you started a new job in the past 12 months. Is your main job (where you earn the most money) the same as it was a year ago?
Response Percent
Different main job – new employer 54
Different main job – same employer 15
Same main job – started a second job 12
Was not working a year ago 15
Other 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,298

Question D38. Are each of the following better, the same, or worse at the main job you have now than the one you had a year ago?
Response Percent
Better About the same Worse
Pay or benefits 52 30 18
Opportunities for advancement 39 48 12
Your interest in the work 47 43 9
Physical demands of the job 32 56 12
Work-life balance 38 45 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 900

Question D39. Overall, is the main job you have now better, the same, or worse than the one you had a year ago?
Response Percent
Better 62
About the same 29
Worse 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 900

Question D1B. If you wanted to, how confident are you that you could get a job in the next 3 months?
Response Percent
Not confident 21
Somewhat confident 37
Very confident 28
Not working and not interested in working right now 14

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question D5. Last month, did your spouse or partner do any work for either pay or profit?
Response Percent
No 36
Yes 64

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,029

Question D49. Does your spouse or partner usually work 35 hours or more per week?
Response Percent
No 15
Yes 85

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,887

Question D41. Did each of the following contribute to your spouse or partner not working or working less than 35 hours per week in the last month?
Response Percent
Could not find (more) work 10
Full-time workweek less than 35 hours 6
Childcare 9
Caregiving for an elderly, disabled, or sick adult 6
Other family or personal obligations 11
Would lose access to unemployment benefits or other government programs 4
Health limitations or disability 17
In school or training 3
Retired 50

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,994 maximum (differs by response)

Gig Economy Section

Question GE2A. Some people earn money by sellings items at places like flea markets and garage sales or through online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy. In the past month, have you made money by selling items in any of these ways?
Response Percent
No 87
Yes 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question GE12. Are the items you sold ones that you:
Response Percent
Made or repurposed, such as handmade crafts 21
Purchased to resell for a profit 32
Previously owned for personal use, such as old clothing 77

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,537

Question GE2B. Some people earn money by offering short-term rentals of items or property they own through platforms such as Turo or Airbnb. In the past month, have you made any money from short-term rentals of items or property that you own?
Response Percent
No 98
Yes 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question GE1A. Some people earn money by doing freelance or gig work, where they are paid for specific tasks and have flexibility about when and how to work. Payments are either received directly from customers or through a company that coordinates the service and payments such as Uber, Doordash, or Upwork. In the past month, have you done any freelance or gig work, either to supplement your income or as your main job?
Response Percent
No 91
Yes 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,145

Question GE1B. Some people earn money by arranging for and completing a series of short-term tasks or projects, often for different customers or employers. For example, lining up work as a handyman, substitute teaching, doing freelance computer work, or using an app to find people to drive somewhere or deliver items. In the past month, did you earn money in a way that involves obtaining short-term tasks or projects that you can complete?
Response Percent
No 93
Yes 7

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,150

Question GE1C. Do you use an app or website to get these short-term tasks or projects?
Response Percent
No 57
Yes 34
Sometimes 10

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 448

Question GE1D. Some people obtain projects or pick tasks by using an app or website to directly connect them with customers to earn money. For example, they may use an app that lists projects for hire or a website that lists customers with specific tasks like creating software, designing a logo, or grant writing. In the past month, did you use an app or website to select projects, pick tasks, or directly connect with customers to do tasks?
Response Percent
No 99
Yes 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,702

Question GE1E. Some people get their next assignment from their boss or supervisor. Other people only work when they line up a task or project on their own, perhaps using an app or website. Once a task or project is completed, what are the ways that you get your next one (select all that apply)?
Response Percent
A boss, supervisor, or dispatcher assigns it 29
Line up work on your own 44
Go to an app or website 31
Something else (please specify) 9
Only completed one task and do not expect additional ones 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 509

Question GE61. Was performing gig work or gig sales/rentals your main job that you told us about earlier?
Response Percent
No 71
Yes 29

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,703

Question GE20C. How many hours per week do you usually spend performing gig work or gig sales/rentals?
Response Percent
Less than 1 hour 40
1 to 4 hours 31
5 to 19 hours 20
20 to 34 hours 6
35 hours or more 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,395

Question GE62. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about performing gig work or gig sales/rentals?
Response Percent
Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree
It gives me work-life balance 35 47 19
It lets me work flexible hours 55 31 14
Without it, I would have trouble making ends meet 31 27 42
I am my own boss doing it 61 29 11
I wish I got benefits, like health insurance, from doing it 28 40 32
I wish the pay was more consistent 49 35 16

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,395

Housing Section

Question GH1. Do you and/or your spouse or partner
Response Percent
Own your home with a mortgage or loan 41
Own your home free and clear (without a mortgage or loan) 22
Pay rent 28
Neither own nor pay rent 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question GH12. Do you have either a homeowner's insurance or a condo insurance policy for your primary residence?
Response Percent
No 7
Yes 93

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,184

Question GH12A. What is the main reason you do not have homeowners insurance?
Response Percent
I can't afford it 43
It is not worth the cost 19
I self-insure or prefer not to buy insurance 15
No insurance company will insure my home 7
Other (please specify) 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 464

Question GH13. Which of the following statements describes your current situation regarding flood insurance? By flood insurance, we mean a policy that would cover an overflow of water caused by a natural event (e.g., heavy rainfall/storm), NOT policies that cover when a pipe bursts inside your home or a sink runs over.
Response Percent
I believe my general homeowner's insurance policy covers me for such flood damage 26
I believe my homeowner's association (HOA) covers me for such flood damage 3
I have a separate policy specifically for such flood damage 6
I do not have any policy that covers flood damage where I live 66

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,184

Question R1. Are each of the following a reason why you rent your home rather than own?
Response Percent
Renting is cheaper 46
Renting is less financially risky 47
Renting is more convenient or flexible 58
Trying to buy 30
Can't qualify for home mortgage 42
Can't afford down payment to buy 68
Can't afford mortgage monthly payment 49
Prefer to rent 39

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,206

Question GH2. When did you move into your current home?
Response Percent
Before 2023 85
2023 7
2024 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question R4. Before your most recent move, did you own your previous home?
Response Percent
No 74
Yes, and I still own that home 7
Yes, and I no longer own that home 19

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 876

Question R5B. Did each of the following contribute to your moving in the past year?
Response Percent
Evicted or received an eviction notice 8
Landlord told you, or a person you were staying with, to leave 9
You missed a rent payment and thought you would be evicted 5
City condemned the property and forced you to leave 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 634

Question R5C. Did each of the following contribute to your moving in the past year?
Response Percent
Bank took possession of your home in foreclosure 3
Received a notice from bank that they planned to foreclose 4
Missed mortgage payments and thought bank would foreclose 3
City condemned the property and forced you to leave 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 175

Question R3. Approximately how much do you and/or your spouse or partner pay for rent each month?
  Dollar amount
Mean 1,357
Median 1,200

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,201

Question R11. Have you been behind on your rent at any time in the past year?
Response Percent
No 79
Yes 21

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,206

Question M4. Approximately how much is your total monthly mortgage payment (i.e. the amount you send to the bank)?
  Dollar amount
Mean 1,740
Median 1,500

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,071

Question GH3. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of your neighborhood?
Response Percent
Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Somewhat satisfied Very satisfied
Overall quality 3 7 13 36 41
Quality of your local schools 5 8 31 30 26
Crime risk 6 12 18 35 29
Natural disaster and severe weather risk 3 7 22 37 31
Cost of housing 15 22 25 25 12

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Natural Disasters Section

Question ND0. In the past year, have you been financially affected by natural disasters or severe weather events like flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extreme temperatures?
Response Percent
No 79
Yes, slightly 13
Yes, moderately 6
Yes, substantially 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question ND1. In the past year, have natural disasters or severe weather events like flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extreme temperatures affected you in each of the following ways?
Response Percent
Income loss or work disruption 28
Property damage 48
Needed to evacuate temporarily 15
Longer-term displacement from home 4
Other (please specify) 14

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,551

Question ND2. Five years from now, do you think that the chance that you will experience a natural disaster or severe weather event will be higher, lower or about the same as it is now?
Response Percent
Much higher 10
Somewhat higher 27
About the same 56
Somewhat lower 2
Much lower 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question ND4. In the past year, have you done each of the following at least partially because of the threat of natural disasters or severe weather events?
Response Percent
Investigated other places to live 14
Improved your property to reduce risk 18
Purchased additional insurance 5

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Banking Section

Question BK1. Do you and/or your spouse or partner currently have a checking, savings or money market account?
Response Percent
No 6
Yes 94

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question BK2. In the past 12 months, did you and/or your spouse or partner:
Response Percent
Purchase a money order from a place other than a bank 9
Cash a check at a place other than a bank 7
Take out a payday loan or payday advance 4
Take out a pawn shop loan or an auto title loan 2
Obtain a tax refund advance to receive your refund faster 2
Pay an overdraft fee on a bank account 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295 maximum (differs by response)

Question BK47. In the past year, have you personally experienced either of the following fraud or scams involving your money?
Response Percent
Credit card fraud or scam 17
Another type of financial fraud or scam 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question BK48. Did you lose any money to the fraud or scam?
Response Percent
I lost money, but all of it was recovered or refunded 30
I lost money, and some of it was recovered or refunded 10
I lost money, and none of it was recovered or refunded 21
No money was ever transferred out of or taken from my account 35
I don't know 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,061

Question BK49A. Approximately how much money did you lose in the fraud or scam before any money was recovered?
  Dollar amount
Mean 6,366
Median 500

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 624

Question BK49B. Approximately how much money did you recover or get refunded?
  Dollar amount
Mean 2,044
Median 300

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 98

Question BK50. Still thinking about the most recent financial fraud or scam you experienced in the past year that did not involve your credit card, how much time have you spent trying to recover funds or dealing with the consequences?
Response Percent
less than 1 hour 30
1 to 9 hours 39
10 to 39 hours 15
40 to 79 hours 6
80 hours or more 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,061

Question BK51. Did the financial fraud or scam that you experienced involve your checking, savings, or money market account?
Response Percent
No 43
Yes 57

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,005

Question BK52. What service or product from your bank or credit union was involved in the most recent fraud or scam involving money from your checking, savings, or money market account (NOT a credit card)? Please select all that apply.
Response Percent
Debit card 62
Peer-to-peer payment service (such as Zelle) 9
Bank wire transfer or payment 14
Personal check 11
Cashier's check or money order 2
Cash withdrawal (from an ATM or a branch) 6
Loan 2
Other service or product (please specify) 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 565

Credit Application Section

Question A6. If you were to apply for a credit card today, how confident are you that your application would be approved?
Response Percent
Don't know 5
Very confident 62
Somewhat confident 19
Not confident 14

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question A0. In the past 12 months have you applied for any credit (such as a credit card, higher credit card limit, mortgage, refinance, student loan, personal loan, or other loan)?
Response Percent
No 66
Yes 34

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question A7. Have you applied for each of the following types of credit in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Credit card 71
Car/auto loan 23
Student loan 8
Mortgage (purchase or refinance) 11
Home equity loan or line of credit 6
Other credit or loan 21

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,111

Question A0B. Was there a time in the past 12 months that you desired credit but chose not to submit a credit application?
Response Percent
No 89
Yes 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,184

Question A1. In the past 12 months, has each of the following happened to you:
Response Percent
Turned down for credit 26
Approved for credit, but were not given as much credit as you applied for 17
Put off applying for credit because you thought you might be turned down 20

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,111

Question A8. Were you turned down or offered less credit than requested for the following types of credit in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Credit card 91
Car/auto loan 54
Student loan 38
Mortgage (purchase or refinance) 54
Home equity loan or line of credit 65
Other credit or loan 71

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,056 maximum (differs by response)

Question A2. You indicated that you desired credit in the past 12 months but did not submit a credit application. Was this because you thought that you might be turned down or denied credit?
Response Percent
No 41
Yes 59

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 795

Credit Condition Section

Question C2A. Do you currently have at least one credit card? Please do not include debit cards or prepaid cards.
Response Percent
No 19
Yes 81

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question C3P. Last month, how did you handle your credit card bills?
Response Percent
Did not use any of my credit cards so had no balances 7
Paid at least the minimum payment on all credit cards 90
Did not pay or paid less than the minimum payment on at least one card 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,349

Question C4A. In the past 12 months, how frequently have you carried an unpaid balance on one or more of your credit cards?
Response Percent
Never carried an unpaid balance (always pay in full) 54
Once 5
Some of the time 18
Most or all of the time 22

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,349

Question BNPL1. In the past year, have you used a "Buy Now Pay Later" service to buy something?
Response Percent
No 85
Yes 15

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question BNPL3. In the past year, have you ever been late making a payment for something you bought using a Buy Now Pay Later service?
Response Percent
No 76
Yes 24

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,670

Question BNPL3A. In the past year, have you been charged extra because you were late on a Buy Now Pay Later payment?
Response Percent
No 43
Yes 57

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 358

Question BNPL4. Thinking about the most recent time you used a Buy Now Pay Later service, were each of the following a reason why you chose to finance the purchase in this way?
Response Percent
Avoid interest charges 58
Wanted to spread out payments 87
Wanted a fixed number of payments 49
Convenience 82
Only way I could afford it 58
Only accepted payment method I had 22
Did not want to use a credit card 53

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,670

Cryptocurrency Section

Question S16. In the past year, have you done the following with cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum?
Response Percent
Bought cryptocurrency or held as an investment 7
Used cryptocurrency to buy something or make a payment 2
Used cryptocurrency to send money to friends or family 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question S18. Were any of the family or friends you sent cryptocurrency to living outside of the United States?
Response Percent
No 72
Yes 28

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 92

Question S21. What was the main reason you used cryptocurrency to buy something, make a payment, or send money?
Response Percent
Privacy 12
To send the money faster 18
Cheaper 13
Safer 5
Don't trust banks 3
Person or business receiving the money preferred cryptocurrency 35
Other (please specify) 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 213

Education Section

Question ED0. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
Response Percent
Less than high school degree 6
High school degree or GED 23
Some college but no degree (including currently enrolled in college) 20
Certificate or technical degree 5
Associate degree 9
Bachelor's degree 20
Master's degree 10
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 4
Doctoral degree 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question D1G. Are you currently enrolled as a student?
Response Percent
No 92
Yes, as a part-time student 3
Yes, as a full-time student 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question ED0B. What type of program are you currently pursuing?
Response Percent
High school or GED program 7
Non-degree training program 4
Certificate or technical degree 9
Associate degree 15
Bachelor's degree 45
Master's degree 11
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 5
Doctoral degree 5

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 800

Question ED0D. Have you ever enrolled in an educational degree program beyond high school?
Response Percent
No 87
Yes 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,629

Question ED1. Which one of the following broad categories best describes your most recent educational program?
Response Percent
Humanities / arts 7
Social / behavioral sciences 7
Life sciences 3
Physical sciences/math 3
Computer / information sciences 9
Engineering 6
Education 8
Business / management 20
Health 12
Law 4
Vocational / technical training 7
Undeclared 5
Other 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 9,417

Student Loans Section

Question SL1. Do you currently have any student loan debt from your own education?
Response Percent
No 88
Yes 12

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question SL3. How much do you currently owe on student loans for your own education?
Response Percent
Don't know 3
Less than $5,000 12
$5,000 to $9,999 15
$10,000 to $14,999 12
$15,000 to $19,999 9
$20,000 to $24,999 8
$25,000 to $29,999 8
$30,000 to $39,999 7
$40,000 to $49,999 5
$50,000 to $74,999 9
$75,000 to $99,999 4
$100,000 or above 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,467

Question SL4A. Are you currently required to make monthly payments on any of your student loans from your own education?
Response Percent
No 43
Yes 57

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,467

Question SL4. Approximately how much is your current required monthly payment on the student loans from your own education?
Response Percent
Don't know 7
$1 to $99 20
$100 to $199 24
$200 to $299 16
$300 to $399 11
$400 to $499 6
$500 to $999 10
$1,000 or above 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 848

Question SL6. Are you behind on payments or in collections for one or more of the student loans from your own education?
Response Percent
No 80
Yes 20

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,467

Question SL7. Did you take out any student loans to pay for your own education that you have since repaid?
Response Percent
No 80
Yes 20

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,828

Question SL8. Still thinking about your own education, did you take out any student loans for each of the following educational programs (including any repaid loans for education you did not complete)?
Response Percent
Certificate or technical training 14
Associate degree 20
Bachelor's degree 65
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 9
Master's degree or doctoral degree 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,912

Question SL10A. Does your spouse or partner currently have any student loans used to pay for their education?
Response Percent
No 89
Yes 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,029

Question SL11. Do you currently have any student loans used to pay for your child's or grandchild's education?
Response Percent
No 76
Yes 6
Do not have children or grandchildren 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,408

Question SL13. How much do you owe on student loans for your child or grandchild's education?
Response Percent
Don't know 7
Less than $5,000 11
$5,000 to $9,999 13
$10,000 to $14,999 13
$15,000 to $19,999 7
$20,000 to $24,999 8
$25,000 to $29,999 8
$30,000 to $39,999 6
$40,000 to $49,999 5
$50,000 to $74,999 9
$75,000 to $99,999 5
$100,000 or above 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 624

Retirement and Investments Section

Question D1I. Do you consider yourself to be retired?
Response Percent
No 73
Yes 27

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question K0. Do you think that your retirement savings plan is currently on track?
Response Percent
Don't know 20
No 44
Yes 35

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,247

Question K8B. When did you retire?
Response Percent
Within the past year 8
1 or 2 years ago 11
3 or 4 years ago 13
5 years ago or more 68

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,048

Question K9. Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did?
Response Percent
Health problem 26
Wanted to do other things or spend time with family 53
Didn't like the work 14
Care for family members 15
Reached normal retirement age 49
Forced to retire or lack of available work 9

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,048

Question K14. You indicated you consider yourself to be retired and that you worked for pay last month. Were each of the following important for your decision to work last month?
Response Percent
Financial reasons (such as earning money or keeping health insurance) 45
Nonfinancial reasons (such as enjoy work/sense of purpose or social connections) 68

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 610

Question K15. Were each of the following true about your decision to work last month?
Response Percent
I needed money to make ends meet 56
I wanted extra spending money 81
I worked because I needed to keep health insurance 23
I worked to save more money, make retirement savings last longer, or delay claiming Social Security 49
Working enabled me to give financial help to family members or friends 42

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 266

Question K21. Do you currently have each of the following types of savings or assets?
Response Percent
Retirement savings account, such as a 401(k) plan through an employer, IRA, or Roth IRA 61
Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a monthly amount in retirement 29
Stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds held outside a retirement account 35
Savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit (CD) 59
Cash value in a life insurance policy 25
Business or real estate investment (other than your primary residence) 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question DC4. How comfortable are you with choosing and managing your investments?
Response Percent
Very comfortable 17
Mostly comfortable 29
Slightly comfortable 28
Not comfortable 25

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question K5A. In the past 12 months, have you done each of the following?
Response Percent
Borrowed money from your retirement accounts 5
Cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from your retirement accounts 4
Reduced your regular contributions from your retirement accounts 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,247

Income and Consumption Section

Question I0. In the past 12 months, did you or your spouse/partner receive any income from the following sources?
Response Percent
Wages, salaries, or self-employment income 66
Interest, dividends, or rental income 35
Social Security (including old age and DI) 27
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), TANF, or cash assistance from a welfare program 6
Unemployment income 3
Pension 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question I40. Which category represents your and your spouse/partner's total combined income in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Less than $5,000 6
$5,000 to $9,999 3
$10,000 to $14,999 4
$15,000 to $19,999 3
$20,000 to $24,999 3
$25,000 to $29,999 3
$30,000 to $34,999 4
$35,000 to $39,999 4
$40,000 to $49,999 6
$50,000 to $59,999 7
$60,000 to $74,999 8
$75,000 to $99,999 11
$100,000 to $149,999 16
$150,000 to $199,999 11
$200,000 or more 12

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question I41. In the past 12 months, have you and/or your spouse or partner received any of the following?
Response Percent
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 8
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) 11
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program benefits 2
Housing assistance from government program 3
Free or reduced price school lunches for your children 25

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295 maximum (differs by response)

Question I9. In the past 12 months, which one of the following best describes your and your spouse's or partner's income?
Response Percent
Roughly the same amount each month 71
Occasionally varies from month to month 21
Varies quite often from month to month 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question I12. Because your income varies, have you and your spouse or partner struggled to pay your bills in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
No 63
Yes 37

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,354

Question I20. In the past month, would you say that your and your spouse's or partner's total spending was:
Response Percent
Less than your income 51
The same as your income 30
More than your income 19

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question I21. Compared to a year ago, have each of the following for you and your spouse or partner increased, decreased, or stayed about the same?
Response Percent
Decreased About the same Increased
Total monthly income 13 56 32
Total monthly spending 10 53 37

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Inflation Section

Question INF4. Overall, have changes in the prices you pay compared to last year made your financial situation worse, better, or had little or no effect?
Response Percent
Much worse 17
Somewhat worse 43
Little or no effect 36
Somewhat better 4
Much better 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question INF3. Did you take any of the following actions because of increases in prices over the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Switched to cheaper products 63
Used less or stopped using products 61
Reduced savings 43
Increased borrowing 16
Delayed a major purchase 46
Worked more or got another job 18
Asked for a raise 68

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295 maximum (differs by response)

Emergency Fund Section

Question EF1. Have you set aside emergency or rainy day funds that would cover your expenses for 3 months in case of sickness, job loss, economic downturn, or other emergencies?
Response Percent
No 45
Yes 55

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question EF2. If you were to lose your main source of income (for example job or government benefits), could you cover your expenses for 3 months by borrowing money, using savings, or selling assets?
Response Percent
No 67
Yes 33

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,144

Question EF3. Suppose that you have an emergency expense that costs $400. Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for this expense?
Response Percent
Put it on my credit card and pay it off in full at the next statement 38
Put it on my credit card and pay it off over time 15
With the money currently in my checking/savings account or with cash 43
Using money from a bank loan or line of credit 3
By borrowing from a friend or family member 10
Using a payday loan, deposit advance, or overdraft 2
By selling something 7
I wouldn't be able to pay for the expense right now 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question EF5C. Other than any credit card bills you may have, did you pay all your bills in full last month?
Response Percent
No 15
Yes 85

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question EF6C. How did you handle each of the following types of bills last month?
Response Percent
Does not apply (do not have bill) Made partial payment or did not pay Paid in full
Rent or mortgage 28 19 53
Water, gas, and electric bills 21 35 44
Phone, internet, and cable bills 14 32 54
Car payment 54 17 29

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,667

Question EF7. Based on your current financial situation, what is the largest emergency expense that you could handle right now using only your savings?
Response Percent
Under $100 18
$100 to $499 13
$500 to $999 10
$1,000 to $1,999 10
$2,000 or more 48

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question B0. How well do each of these statements describe you or your situation?
Response Percent
Completely Very well Somewhat Very little Not at all
Because of my money situation, I feel like I will never have the things I want in life 12 9 28 23 28
I am just getting by financially 13 13 31 18 25
I am concerned that the money I have or will save won't last 20 15 30 17 18

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question B1. How often do each of these statements apply to you?
Response Percent
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
I have money left over at the end of the month 23 19 28 18 12
My finances control my life 11 15 31 27 16

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Food Security Section

Question FD3. In the past month, which of these statements best describes the food eaten in your household?
Response Percent
Enough of the kinds of food we wanted to eat 66
Enough, but not always the kinds of food we wanted to eat 27
Sometimes not enough to eat 5
Often not enough to eat 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Criminal Justice Section

Question E8. Have you ever been:
Response Percent
Arrested or taken into custody by the police 13
Convicted of a criminal offense but never received a prison sentence 6
Convicted of a criminal offense and received a prison sentence 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Health and Insurance Section

Question E1. During the past 12 months, was there a time when you needed each of the following, but went without because you couldn't afford it?
Response Percent
Prescription medicine 11
Seeing a doctor or specialist 16
Mental health care or counseling 9
Dental care 19
Follow-up care 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question E2. During the past 12 months, have you had any unexpected major medical expenses that you had to pay out of pocket because they were not completely paid for by insurance?
Response Percent
No 77
Yes 23

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question E2A. Approximately how much did you pay out of pocket for unexpected major medical expenses in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Don't know 4
$1 to $499 19
$500 to $999 19
$1,000 to $1,999 21
$2,000 to $4,999 24
$5,000 or higher 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,937

Question E2B. Do you currently have any debt from medical care you or your family members have received?
Response Percent
No 83
Yes 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Question E4. Are you currently covered by any of the following types of health insurance or health coverage plans?
Response Percent
Insurance through an employer or union 55
Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company 11
Medicare or Medicaid 35
TRICARE, VA, or other military or veteran's health care 6
Insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange 4
Any other health insurance 7

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,295

Childhood Background Section

Question CH2A. Thinking about your family or primary caregivers growing up, what was the highest level of education achieved by any parent or guardian?
Response Percent
Don't know 5
Refused 0
Less than high school degree 13
High school degree or GED 31
Some college but no degree 10
Certificate or technical degree 6
Associate degree 6
Bachelor's degree 17
Graduate degree 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,273

Demographics

Summary statistics for demographics
Demographic characteristic Weighted percent Unweighted percent
Male/Female
Male 49 51
Female 51 49
Age
18–29 20 15
30–44 26 23
45–59 23 23
60+ 31 38
Education
Less than high school 6 5
High school degree 23 19
Some college, no associate degree 25 24
Associate degree 9 9
Bachelor's degree or more 37 43
Race and Ethnicity
White 61 67
Black 12 11
Hispanic 18 14
Asian 6 4
Other 3 4
Family Income
Less than $25,000 19 17
$25,000–$49,999 16 16
$50,000–$99,999 26 27
$100,000 or more 39 39
Household Income
Less than $25,000 10 11
$25,000–$49,999 14 15
$50,000–$99,999 27 28
$100,000 or more 49 46
Marital Status
Married 53 55
Not married 47 45
Region
Northeast 17 18
Midwest 20 22
South 39 37
West 24 23
Disability Status
Unknown or Refused 10 10
No disability 77 77
Disability 13 14
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Last Update: June 05, 2025