Personal Finances

Surging Prices Changing U.S. Consumer Behavior

Eight in 10 Americans have made more of an effort to find the cheapest prices for products

July 18, 2008

A new Gallup Poll shows that nearly half of Americans say the most important financial problem facing their families today is surging prices, with 29% pointing to energy and gas prices, and 18% simply saying the high cost of living and inflation.More ...

Record-High 55% of Americans “Financially Worse Off”

First time in Gallup history a majority see their financial situations as worse than the year before

June 3, 2008

For the first time in Gallup history, a majority of Americans (55%) say they are worse off financially than a year ago, up from 44% who said the same last year.More ...

Gas Prices Altering Vacation Plans for Many Americans

A sizable percentage are canceling their summer trips altogether

May 23, 2008

Over one-third of Americans (36%) say their summer travel plans have been disrupted by the rising price of gas, and over a third of those (37%) say they are canceling their summer trips altogether.More ...

Majority Now Cutting Back Elsewhere to Afford Gas

Appeal of fuel-efficient cars is surging among Americans

May 9, 2008

A full 60% of Americans now say they are cutting back significantly on their household spending to compensate for higher gas prices; only 38% said this when gas prices were shooting up three years ago.More ...

A Shift in How Americans Plan to Fund Their Retirement

Future retirees expect less from Social Security, more from 401(k)s, part-time work

May 8, 2008

While 56% of current retirees say Social Security is a major source of their retirement income, only 31% of future retirees expect that to be the case. In addition, 20% of future retirees expect part-time work to be a major income source, but only 3% of current retirees say it is a major source.More ...

Fewer Americans Expect a Comfortable Retirement

Fifty-five percent fear they won’t be able to continue their current lifestyles

May 6, 2008

Less than half of Americans who have yet to retire (46%) say they feel they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement -- down from 53% a year ago and 59% over the three-year period of 2002 to 2004.More ...

Half of Americans Say They’re Reining In Spending

Reducing driving and gas usage ranks as top savings strategy

May 5, 2008

With costs rising and wages contracting, 51% of Americans say they have had to cut back on their spending recently. Driving less and saving on gas is the No. 1 way Americans say they are cutting back.More ...

Lower Interest Rates Hurting 32% of Older Americans

Nearly half of consumers report putting less into savings each month

April 9, 2008

Twenty percent of all Americans and 32% of those 65 or older say the Federal Reserve’s lowering of interest rates this year has hurt their personal financial situations.More ...

Food Supersedes Healthcare as Consumer Price Issue

In response to higher food, gas prices, 50% report their “fun” money is down over the past year

April 7, 2008

Fifty-one percent of U.S. consumers say food prices have increased “a lot” over the past year, up from 28% two years ago, while 24% say the same about healthcare and prescription drugs, down from 34% in 2006.More ...

Americans Expect Gas Prices to Increase by 21% This Year

Sixty-three percent say gas prices have already caused them financial hardship

March 24, 2008

Americans expect gas prices to reach $3.98 a gallon where they live this year -- up 21% from currently reported levels.More ...

Personal Finances

Surging Prices Changing U.S. Consumer Behavior

Eight in 10 Americans have made more of an effort to find the cheapest prices for products

Record-High 55% of Americans “Financially Worse Off”

First time in Gallup history a majority see their financial situations as worse than the year before

Gas Prices Altering Vacation Plans for Many Americans

A sizable percentage are canceling their summer trips altogether

Majority Now Cutting Back Elsewhere to Afford Gas

Appeal of fuel-efficient cars is surging among Americans

A Shift in How Americans Plan to Fund Their Retirement

Future retirees expect less from Social Security, more from 401(k)s, part-time work

Fewer Americans Expect a Comfortable Retirement

Fifty-five percent fear they won’t be able to continue their current lifestyles

Half of Americans Say They’re Reining In Spending

Reducing driving and gas usage ranks as top savings strategy

Lower Interest Rates Hurting 32% of Older Americans

Nearly half of consumers report putting less into savings each month

Food Supersedes Healthcare as Consumer Price Issue

In response to higher food, gas prices, 50% report their “fun” money is down over the past year

Americans Expect Gas Prices to Increase by 21% This Year

Sixty-three percent say gas prices have already caused them financial hardship

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Personal Finances

Chile's Public Pensions May Ease Retirement Concerns

Many Americans Fear They’ll Outlive Their Money

Americans Worried About Their Standard of Living

Increasing Momentum for Economic Populism

Americans’ Personal Finance Resolutions for 2008

Most Rate Own Lives Well, but U.S. Poorly

Nearly Half of Blacks, Hispanics Worry About Paying Bills

Charitable Giving Differs in Canada, U.K., and U.S.

Majority of Americans Satisfied With Their Healthcare Plans

Consumer Credit Perceptions Plunge