Appendix A: 2019 Survey Questionnaire
This appendix contains a reproduction of the survey instrument in its entirety. GE41 [S]The bracketed texts are programming instructions such as custom text that will appear differently based on previous responses. Questions designated with an [S] indicate that the respondent can only select a single response and those designated with an [M] allow multiple responses. Not all questions are shown to all respondents, and the skip patterns used to reach each question are listed as the "Asked of" line above each question. The respondents only see the questions and response option; they do not see the program code. Question numbers are not always sequential in order to preserve continuity with question numbers from earlier surveys where possible. Questions are listed below in the order in which they are presented to respondents.
Introduction
Base: All respondents
DISPLAY01 [Disp]
Welcome
We want to learn more about your financial wellbeing and views on the economy. We appreciate your participation in this survey.
This survey supports research on financial conditions in the United States. It has been reviewed and is consistent with requirements from the Office of Management and Budget.
OMB Control Number: 7100-0374
Expiration Date: November 30, 2020
[If "supports" clicked above, display this text in a new tab or window]
A report with findings from this survey and a dataset—without including your name or any other identifying information—will be released publicly on the Federal Reserve Board's website.
[If "requirements" clicked above, display this text in a new tab or window]
The Federal Reserve may not conduct or sponsor, and an organization is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 0.33 hours, including the time to gather data in the required form and to review instructions and complete the information collection. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th and C Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20551, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (7100-0374), Washington, D.C. 20503.
Living Arrangements Section
Base: All respondents
L0 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
First, do each of the following people currently live with you?
DOWN
a. My spouse or partner
b. My child(ren) under age 18
c. My adult child(ren) age 18 or older
d. My parent(s)
e. Other individuals
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If L0_c = 1
L0A [S]
Are the adult children (who are age 18 or older) who live with you:
1. All currently enrolled in school
2. One or more not currently enrolled in school
Base: If L0_e = 1
L0B [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
[IF L0_a=1 or L0_b=1 or L0_c=1 or L0_d=1, Insert: Other than your spouse or partner, children, or parents, are / ELSE, insert: Are] the people living with you:
DOWN
a. Your brother(s) or sister(s)
b. Other relatives
c. Other people not related to you
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (L0_d or e=1) or (L0_c =1 and L0A=2)
L1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
You indicated that you live with [IF L0_d=1, INSERT: your parents,] [IF L0A=2, INSERT: adult children who are not in school,] [IF L0B_a=1, INSERT: your siblings,] [IF L0_d=1 or L0A=2 or L0B_a=1, INSERT: or] someone outside of your immediate family.
Are each of the following reasons why you live with these individuals?
DOWN
a. To save money
b. To help those living with me financially
c. To care for family member or friend
d. To receive help with childcare
e. Prefer living with others
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
General Well-Being Section
Base: All respondents
B2 [S]
Overall, which one of the following best describes how well you are managing financially these days?
4. Living comfortably
3. Doing okay
2. Just getting by
1. Finding it difficult to get by
CREATE DOV_B2 = 1 for 50% of Respondents / DOV_B2 = 0 for 50% of Respondents. Record DOV_B2 value.
Base: If DOV_B2 = 1 and B2 ne refused
Programming note: Text box is intentionally larger than the stated limit so that respondent is not forced to reduce text if they write too much.
B2a [O, 500 characters]
In a sentence or two, please describe why you are [IF B2=1 SHOW: living comfortably / IF B2=2 SHOW: doing okay / IF B2=3 SHOW: just getting by / IF B2=4 SHOW: finding it difficult to get by ].
Base: All respondents
B3 [S]
Compared to 12 months ago, would you say that you (and your family) are better off, the same, or worse off financially?
5. Much better off
4. Somewhat better off
3. About the same
2. Somewhat worse off
1. Much worse off
Base: All respondents
B6 [S]
Think of your parents when they were your age. Would you say you (and your family) are better, the same, or worse off financially than they were?
5. Much better off
4. Somewhat better off
3. About the same
2. Somewhat worse off
1. Much worse off
Base: All respondents
B7 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
How would you rate economic conditions today:
DOWN
a. In your community
b. In this country
ACROSS
4. Excellent
3. Good
2. Only fair
1. Poor
Employment Section
Base: All respondents
D1A [S]
This section will ask some questions about your recent work-related activities.
Last month, did you do any work for either pay or profit?
1. Yes
0. No
Prompt twice.
Base: All respondents
D1E [S]
At any time during the past month, did you want to work [if D1A=1, INSERT: more hours]?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1A=0 or (D1A = 1 and DIE = 1) (Not working or working and wanting to work more)
D21 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to you [IF D1A=0, INSERT: not working / IF D1A=1 and D1E=1, INSERT: not working as much as you wanted ] last month?
DOWN
a. Employer would not offer more hours [Display if D1A=1 and D1E=1]
b. Could not find [IF D1A=0, INSERT: work / IF D1A=1 and D1E=1, INSERT: another job]
c. Childcare
d. Other family or personal obligations
e. Health limitations or disability
f. In school or training
g. Retired
h. Other (please specify): [Text box]
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D3A [S]
Think about your main job (the job from which you earned the most income in the past month). In this job, were you working for someone else, self-employed, or something else?
0. Working for someone else
1. Self-employed (working for myself)
2. Other work arrangement
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D3B [S]
Still thinking about your main job, do you usually work:
1. Full-time (35 or more hours per week)
2. Part-time (less than 35 hours per week)
Base: If D1A=1 and D3B=2 (Working part-time)
D20 [S]
You indicated that you do not work full-time at this job. Do you want a full-time job?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D3A=0 (Working for someone else)
D30 [S]
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?
1. Normally work the same hours
2. Schedule varies, primarily at my request
3. Schedule varies, primarily based on my employer's needs
Base: If D30=3 (Schedule varies based on employer needs)
D31 [S]
Approximately how far in advance does your employer usually tell you the hours that you will need to work on any given day?
1. One day in advance or less (including on call)
2. 2 to 3 days in advance
3. 4 to 6 days in advance
4. 1 to 2 weeks in advance
5. 3 weeks in advance or longer
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D33 [S]
A temporary job lasts for a limited time or until the end of a project. Is your main job a temporary job?
1. Yes
0. No
-2. Don't know
Base: If D3A=0 (Working for someone else)
D34 [S]
For your main job, where do you work most of the time?
1. A place that belongs to my employer
2. At home
3. Somewhere else
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D4 [S]
In addition to your main job, did you have any other jobs last month?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
D44 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
[If D1A=1 Think about any job in the past 12 months, not just your main job.] In the past 12 months, have you:
DOWN
a. Asked for a raise or a promotion (Display if D1A=1)
b. Received a raise or a promotion (Display if D1A=1)
c. Applied for a new job
d. Started a new job
e. Voluntarily left a job
f. Gotten laid off or fired from a job
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If PPMARIT = 1 or 6 (Married or living with partner)
D5 [S]
Last month, did your [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: partner] do any work for either pay or profit?
1. Yes
0. No
Gig Economy Section
Base: All respondents
GE1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past month, have you been paid for each of the following activities?
DOWN
a. Child- or eldercare services
b. Dog walking, feeding pets, or house sitting
c. House cleaning, yard work, or other property maintenance work
d. Driving or ride-sharing, such as with Uber or Lyft
e. Paid tasks online, such as freelance work through Fiverr or Upwork (do not include KnowledgePanel surveys)
f. Other paid personal tasks, such as deliveries, running errands, or helping people move
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
GE2 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In addition, in the past month, have you been paid for each of the following activities?
DOWN
a. Selling goods yourself at flea markets or garage sales
b. Selling goods at consignment shops or thrift stores
c. Selling goods online, such as on eBay or Etsy
d. Selling goods at an event you plan, such as Avon parties
e. Renting out property, such as your car or your house
f. Any other paid activities that you have not already mentioned (do not include KnowledgePanel surveys)
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
CREATE [DOV_GIG]:
If Yes to 2+ items in GE1 and GE2 Then DOV_Gig = "doing these paid activities"
Else
If GE1_a=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing paid child or eldercare"
If GE1_b=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing pet care or house sitting"
If GE1_c=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing paid house cleaning or yard work"
If GE1_d=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing paid driving or ride sharing"
If GE1_e=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing paid online tasks"
If GE1_f=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing paid personal tasks"
If GE2_a=1 Then DOV_Gig = "selling at flea markets or garage sales"
If GE2_b=1 Then DOV_Gig = "selling at consignment or thrift stores"
If GE2_c=1 Then DOV_Gig = "selling online"
If GE2_d=1 Then DOV_Gig = "selling at events you plan"
If GE2_e=1 Then DOV_Gig = "renting out property"
If GE2_f=1 Then DOV_Gig = "doing these paid activities"
Base: If GE2_a=1 or GE2_b=1 or GE2_c=1 or GE2_d=1
GE12 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are the items you sold ones that you:
DOWN
a. made or repurposed, such as handmade crafts
b. sell on behalf of a company, such as Avon or Pampered Chef
c. purchased to resell for a profit
d. previously owned for personal use, such as old clothing
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE10 [M]
In the past month, what were your reasons for [DOV_Gig]?
Suppress default instructions, instead show: Please select all that apply.
a. Main source of income
b. Additional income
c. Money to help extended family or friends
d. Develop job-related skills
e. Sell items no longer needed [Display if any Yes in GE2_a through GE2_d]
f. Social activity or hobby
Base: If GE10 = 1 (Yes) to more than one response
GE11 [S]
In the past month, which was your most important reason for [DOV_Gig]?
Only show responses where GE10=1 (Yes)
If GE10 = only one response then autopunch GE10 in GE11 response as main reason
a. Main source of income
b. Additional income
c. Money to help extended family or friends
d. Develop job-related skills
e. Sell items no longer needed
f. Social activity or hobby
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE20A [S]
Did you spend at least 20 hours in the past month [DOV_Gig]? [IF DOV_GIG="paid online tasks" OR DOV_GIG="these paid activities" INSERT "(Do not include taking KnowledgePanel Surveys.)"]
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE22 [S]
Relative to a year ago, last month did you spend more, the same, or less time [DOV_Gig]?
1. More
2. Less
3. About the same
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE40A [S]
In the past 12 months, how much of your income was from [DOV_Gig]?
1. Under 10%
2. 10% to 50%
3. 50% to 90%
4. Over 90%
-2. Don't know
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE40B [S]
In the past 12 months, have you regularly earned money from [DOV_Gig]?
1. Yes, in all or most months
0. No, only in some or a few months
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE41 [S]
Has [DOV_Gig] affected the amount your family income varies from month to month?
2. Yes, it increased the amount income varies
1. Yes, it reduced the amount income varies
0. No
Base: If any Yes in GE1 or GE2 (Any "gig" activities selected)
GE5 [S]
GE5. Last month when [DOV_Gig] did you find customers with a company's website or mobile app and receive your payments through that company? For example, Uber drivers find riders with the Uber app and receive payments through Uber.
1. Yes
0. No
General Housing Section
Base: All respondents
GH1 [S]
This section will ask some questions about your housing situation.
Do you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: (and/or your spouse) / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: (and/or your partner) ]:
1. Own your home with a mortgage or loan
2. Own your home free and clear (without a mortgage or loan)
3. Pay rent
4. Neither own nor pay rent
Base: All respondents
GH2 [S]
Did you move into your current home after October 2017?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
GH3 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are you generally satisfied or dissatisfied with each of the following aspects of your housing situation?
DOWN
a. Overall quality of neighborhood
b. Quality of local schools
c. Safety of neighborhood
d. Other neighborhood amenities
e. Overall quality of your housing
f. Cost of your housing [Display if GH1= 1, 2, or 3]
ACROSS
1. Satisfied
0. Dissatisfied
Base: All respondents
GH4 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Do you or any member of your household have access to the internet using a:
DOWN
a. Cellular data plan for a smartphone or other mobile device
b. Broadband (high speed) internet service in your home, such as cable, fiber optic, or DSL
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Rent Section
Base: If GH1 = 3 (Renters)
R1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are each of the following a reason why you rent your home rather than own?
DOWN
a. Cheaper to rent
b. Owning is a bigger financial risk
c. Convenience (such as more easy to move)
d. Looking to buy
e. Can't qualify for home mortgage
f. Can't afford down payment to buy
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH1 = 3 or GH1 = 4) AND (GH2 = 1) (Non-homeowners who moved recently)
R4 [S]
Before your recent move, did you own your previous home?
0. No
1. Yes, and I still own that home
2. Yes, and I no longer own that home
Base: If (GH2=1) AND (R4=0 or refused) (Non-homeowners who moved recently and did not own previous home)
R5B [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to your moving from your previous home?
DOWN
a. Evicted or received an eviction notice
b. Landlord told you, or a person you were staying with, to leave
c. You missed a rent payment and thought you would be evicted
d. City condemned the property and forced you to leave
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH2=1) AND (R4=2) (Non-homeowners who moved recently and owned previous home)
R5C [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to your moving from your previous home?
DOWN
a. Bank took possession of your home in foreclosure
b. Received a notice from bank that they planned to foreclose
c. Missed mortgage payments and thought bank would foreclose
d. City condemned the property and forced you to leave
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH1 = 3) (Renters)
R7 [S]
In the past 12 months, have you experienced any problems with your house or apartment that you felt needed to be fixed, such as a leak or a broken appliance?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH1 = 3) and (R7=1) (Renters who had a problem with their housing unit)
R8 [S]
Did you contact your landlord about the problem with your house or apartment that needed to be fixed?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH1 = 3) and (R8=1) (Renters who had a problem with their housing unit that they contacted landlord about)
R8A [S]
After you contacted your landlord about the problem with your house or apartment, how much difficulty did you have getting them to fix the problem?
0. None
1. A little difficulty
2. Moderate difficulty
3. Substantial difficulty
Base: If GH1 = 3 (Renters)
R3 [S]
About how much do you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and/or your partner] pay for rent each month?
1. Less than $500
2. $500 to $749
3. $750 to $999
4. $1,000 to $1,249
5. $1,250 to 1,499
6. $1,500 to $1,999
7. $2,000 or above
-2. Don't know
Mortgage Section
Base: If GH1 = 1 (Homeowners with a mortgage)
M4 [S]
About how much is your total monthly mortgage payment (i.e., the amount you send to the bank)?
1. Less than $500
2. $500 to $749
3. $750 to $999
4. $1000 to $1,249
5. $1,250 to 1,499
6. $1,500 to $1,999
7. $2,000 or above
-2. Don't know
Banking Section
Base: All respondents
BK1 [S]
This section will ask some questions about your experiences with banks and credit.
Do you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and/or your partner] currently have a checking, savings or money market account?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
BK2 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, did you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and/or your partner]:
DOWN
a. Purchase a money order from a place other than a bank
b. Cash a check at a place other than a bank
c. Take out a payday loan or payday advance
d. Take out a pawn shop loan or an auto title loan
e. Obtain a tax refund advance to receive your refund faster
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Credit Application Section
Base: All respondents
A6 [S]
If you were to apply for a credit card today, how confident are you that your application would be approved?
3. Not confident
2. Somewhat confident
1. Very confident
-2. Don't know
Base: All respondents
A0 [S]
In the past 12 months, have you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT:or your partner] applied for any credit (such as a credit card, higher credit card limit, mortgage, refinance, student loan, personal loan, or other loan)?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If A0=0 (Did not apply for credit)
A0B [S]
Was there a time in the past 12 months that you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: or your partner] desired credit but chose not to submit a credit application?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If A0=1 OR Refused (Applied for credit)
A1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, has each of the following happened to you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT:or your partner]:
DOWN
a. Turned down for credit
b. Approved for credit, but were not given as much credit as you applied for
c. Put off applying for credit because you thought you might be turned down
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If A0B=1 (Did not apply for credit but desired credit)
A2 [S]
You indicated that you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: or your partner] 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?
1. Yes
0. No
Credit Condition Section
Base: All respondents
C2A [S]
Do you have at least one credit card?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If C2A=1 or refused (Has a credit card)
C3 [S]
Do you currently have any outstanding unpaid credit card debt?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If C3=1 or refused (Has outstanding credit card debt)
C3A [S]
Do you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner] currently have more, less, or about the same amount of credit card debt than you had 12 months ago?
3. More debt now
2. About the same
1. Less debt now
Base: If C2A=1 or refused (Has a credit card)
C4A [S]
In the past 12 months, how frequently have you carried an unpaid balance on one or more of your credit cards?
0. Never carried an unpaid balance (always pay in full)
1. Once
2. Some of the time
3. Most or all of the time
Education Section
Base: All respondents
ED0 [S]
This section will ask about your education and experiences with student loans.
What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
1. Less than High School degree
2. High school degree or GED
3. Some college but no degree (including currently enrolled in college)
4. Certificate or technical degree
5. Associate degree
6. Bachelor's degree
7. Master's degree
8. Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD)
9. Doctoral Degree
CREATE [DOV_ED]:
IF ED0 = 5 DOV_ED = "Associate Degree"
IF ED0 >= 6 DOV_ED = "Bachelor's Degree"
Base: All respondents
D1G [S]
Are you currently enrolled as a student?
2. Yes, as a full-time student
1. Yes, as a part-time student
0. No
Base: If D1G=1 or 2 (Current student)
ED0B [S]
What type of program are you currently pursuing?
1. High school or GED program
2. Non-degree training program
3. Certificate or technical degree
4. Associate degree
5. Bachelor's degree
6. Master's degree
7. Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD)
8. Doctoral Degree
Base: If (ED0=2) and (D1G=0) (High school only and not enrolled in college)
ED0D [S]
Have you ever enrolled in an educational degree program beyond high school?
1. Yes
0. No
CREATE DOV_EDRECODE:
• IF ED0=2 AND (ED0B>=3 OR ED0D=1) THEN DOV_ EDRECODE = 3.
• Else DOV_EDRECODE=response value from ED0.
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE>=3 (Any education beyond high school)
ED1 [S]
Which one of the following broad categories best describes your [IF D1G=1 or D1G=2, INSERT: current / IF D1G=0 OR D1G=REFUSED, INSERT: most recent] educational program?
1. Humanities/arts
2. Social/behavioral sciences
3. Life sciences
4. Physical sciences/math
5. Computer/information sciences
6. Engineering
7. Education
8. Business/management
9. Health
10. Law
11. Vocational/technical training
12. Undeclared
13. Other
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE=3 or 4 (Some college or certificate)
ED2A [DROPDOWN]
In what state is the school that you [IF D1G=1 OR D1G=2, INSERT: currently attend / IF D1G=0 OR D1G=REFUSED, INSERT:attended for your most recent educational program] located? If the school is not located in the United States, please select "International" from the bottom of the list.
[DROPDOWN BOX with 50 states + DC + the term "International"]
Base: If ED2A is answered
ED2B [DROPDOWN]
What is the name of the school you [F D1G=1 OR D1G=2, INSERT: currently attend / D1G=0 OR D1G=REFUSED, INSERT: attended for your most recent educational program]?
Begin typing the full school name (not an abbreviation) to show a list of matching schools. Then select your school from the list. If your school is not listed, simply type the full school name.
School name: [State-specific drop-down list]
Base: If (DOV_EDRECODE=3 or 4) and (D1G=0 or D1G=refused) and PPAGE>=25 (Some college or certificate, not enrolled)
ED4A [S]
Were you under age 25 when you last attended this educational program?
1. Yes
2. No
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE=3 or 4 (Some college or certificate)
ED5 [S]
Overall, how would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your [ IF D1G=1 or D1G=2, INSERT: current / IF D1G=0 OR D1G=REFUSED, INSERT: most recent] educational program compare to its costs?
1. Financial benefits are much larger
2. Financial benefits are somewhat larger
3. About the same
4. Financial costs are somewhat larger
5. Financial costs are much larger
Base: If (DOV_EDRECODE=3 or 4) and (D1G=0 or D1G=refused) (Some college or certificate, not enrolled)
ED6 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
If you could go back and make your education decisions again, would you have done each of these things:
DOWN
a. Chosen a different field of study
b. Attended a different school
c. Not attended college or completed less education
d. Completed more education
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (ED0 = 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) (Associate degree or above)
ED7A [DROPDOWN]
In what state is the school that you received your [DOV_ED] located? If the school is not located in the United States, please select "International" from the bottom of the list.
DROPDOWN BOX with 50 states + DC + the term "International"
Base: If ED7A is answered
ED7B [DROPDOWN]
What is the name of the school from which you received your [DOV_ED]?
Begin typing the full school name (not an abbreviation) to show a list of matching schools. Then select your school from the list. If your school is not listed, simply type the full school name.
School name: [State-specific drop-down list]
Base: If ED0 = 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 AND PPAGE>=25(Associate degree or above)
ED9A [S]
Were you under age 25 when you received your [DOV_ED]?
1. Yes
2. No
Base: If ED0 = 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 (Associate degree or above)
ED10 [S]
Overall, how would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your [DOV_ED] program compare to its costs?
1. Financial benefits are much larger
2. Financial benefits are somewhat larger
3. About the same
4. Financial costs are somewhat larger
5. Financial costs are much larger
Base: If ED0 = 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 (Associate degree or above)
ED11 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
If you could go back and make decisions regarding your [DOV_ED] again, would you have done each of these things:
DOWN
a. Chosen a different field of study
b. Attended a different school
c. Not attended college or completed less education
d. Completed more education
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE=2 and (PPAGE<=40) (Completed high school. Did not attend college)
ED13 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are each of the following a reason why you did not attend college?
DOWN
a. Too expensive
b. Childcare responsibilities
c. Needed to earn money or support family
d. Preferred to work
e. Did not think benefits of college were worth the cost
f. Illness or health issues
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE=3 and (D1G=0 or D1G=refused) and (PPAGE<=40) (Attended college and not enrolled. Did not complete)
ED14 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are each of the following a reason why you did not complete your college degree?
DOWN
a. Too expensive
b. Childcare responsibilities
c. Needed to earn money or support family
d. Preferred to work
e. Did not think the benefits of college were worth the cost
f. Illness or health issues
g. Low grades
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Student Loans Section
Base: All respondents
SL1 [S]
Do you currently have student loan debt or owe any money used to pay for your own education?
Please include any loans on which you are a co-signer that were used to pay for your education beyond high school (including student loans, home equity loans, or credit cards paid off over time).
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1 = 1
SL2 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Think about the money you currently owe for your own education. Is this money you owe for that education on a:
Suppress default instructions, instead show: If you have multiple loans for your education, please select all that apply.
DOWN
a. Student loan
b. Home equity loan
c. Credit card
d. Other loan
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1 = 1
SL3 [S]
Thinking specifically about the money that you owe for your own education, please tell us the total amount that you currently owe on these loans.
1. Less than $5,000
2. $5,000 to $9,999
3. $10,000 to $14,999
4. $15,000 to $19,999
5. $20,000 to $24,999
6. $25,000 to $29,999
7. $30,000 to $39,999
8. $40,000 to $49,999
9. $50,000 to $74,999
10. $75,000 to $99,999
11. $100,000 or above
-2. Don't know
Base: If SL1 = 1
SL4 [S]
Approximately how much is the total monthly payment that you are required to make on the loans from your education?
Suppress default instructions, instead show: Please only include the amount that you are paying, and not money that is paid by others on your behalf.
1. I am currently not required to make any payments on these loans
2. $1 to $99
3. $100 to $199
4. $200 to $299
5. $300 to $399
6. $400 to $499
7. $500 to $999
8. $1,000 or above
-2. Don't know
Base: If SL1 = 1
SL6 [S]
Are you behind on payments or in collections for one or more of the loans from your own education?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1 = 0 or refused
SL7 [S]
Did you borrow money or take out any loans to pay for your own education that you have since repaid?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1 = 1 or SL7=1
SL8 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Still thinking about your own education, did you borrow money for each of the following educational programs (including any repaid loans or education you did not complete)?
DOWN
a. Certificate or technical training
b. Associate degree
c. Bachelor's degree
d. Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD)
e. Master's degree or Doctoral Degree
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If PPMARIT=1 OR 6
SL10 [S]
Do you currently owe any money used to pay for your [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: spouse's / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: partner's] education?
Please only include any loans on which you are a co-signer that were used to pay for their education beyond high school (including student loans, home equity loans, or credit cards paid off over time).
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If PPAGE>=30
SL11 [S]
Do you currently owe any money used to pay for your child's or grandchild's education?
Please only include any loans on which you are a co-signer that were used to pay for their education beyond high school (including student loans, home equity loans, or credit cards paid off over time).
1. Yes
0. No
999. Do not have children or grandchildren
Base: If SL11=1
SL12 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Is the money you owe for your child's or grandchild's education a student loan, home equity loan, credit card debt, or some other type of loan? If you have multiple loans, please select all that apply.
DOWN
a. Student loan
b. Home equity loan
c. Credit card
d. Other loan
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Retirement Planning Section
Base: All respondents
D1I [S]
This section will ask some questions about your planning and savings for retirement.
Do you consider yourself to be retired?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (D1I ne 1) (Not Retired)
K0 [S]
Do you think that your retirement savings plan is currently on track?
1. Yes
0. No
-2. Don't know
Base: If (D1I ne 1) (Not Retired)
K2 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings?
DOWN
a. 401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or other defined contribution plan through an employer
b. Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a fixed monthly amount in retirement
c. IRA or Roth IRA
d. Savings outside a retirement account
e. Own a business or real estate that will provide income in retirement
f. Other retirement savings
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (D1I = 1) and PPAGE>=60 (Retired)
If (D1I = 1) and PPAGE<60, then autopunch K8A=1
K8A [S]
At what age did you retire?
1. 59 or younger
2. 60 or 61
3. 62, 63, or 64 [Display if PPAGE>=62]
4. 65 or 66 [Display if PPAGE>=65]
5. 67, 68, or 69 [Display if PPAGE>=67]
6. 70 or older [Display if PPAGE>=70]
-2 Not sure [S]
Base: If (D1I = 1) (Retired)
K9 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did?
DOWN
a. Health problem
b. Wanted to do other things or spend time with family
c. Didn't like the work
d. Care for family members
e. Reached normal retirement age
f. Forced to retire or lack of available work
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (D1I = 1) (Retired)
K10 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, have you used each of the following to cover expenses in retirement:
DOWN
a. Withdrawals from savings or a retirement account
b. Money from selling a business or real estate that you own
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1I=1 OR (K2_a, K2_c, K2_d, or K2_f=1) (Retired OR (Not retired and has self-directed retirement savings))
K20 [S]
Approximately how much money do you currently have saved for retirement?
1. Less than $10,000
2. $10,000 to $24,999
3. $25,000 to $49,999
4. $50,000 to $99,999
5. $100,000 to $249,999
6. $250,000 to $499,999
7. $500,000 to $999,999
8. Over $1,000,000
-2. Don't know
Base: If (K2_a, K2_c, K2_d, or K2_f=1) (Not retired, Has self-directed retirement savings)
DC4 [S]
How comfortable are you with making your own investment decisions in your retirement accounts?
1. Very comfortable
2. Mostly comfortable
3. Slightly comfortable
4. Not comfortable
Base: If D1I NE 1 (Not Retired)
K5A [S]
In the past 12 months, have you borrowed money from or cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from any of your retirement savings accounts?
1. Yes, borrowed money
2. Yes, cashed out
3. Yes, both
0. No
Income and Consumption Section
Base: All respondents
I0 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
This section will ask some questions about your savings, expenses, and sources of income.
In the past 12 months, did you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT:and/or your partner] receive any income from the following sources:
DOWN
a. Wages, salaries, or self-employment income
b. Interest, dividends, or rental income
c. Social Security (including old age and DI)
d. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), TANF, or cash assistance from a welfare program
e. Unemployment income
f. Pension
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If ALL I0_a through I0_f =0 or refused (No income sources listed)
I0A [S]
Did you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and/or your partner] receive any income from any source in the past 12 months?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If I0=1 for any response OR I0A=1 or refused (Report having any income)
I40 [S; prompt once]
Which of the following categories best describes the total income that you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner] received from all sources, before taxes and deductions, in the past 12 months?
1. $0 to $4,999
2. $5,000 to $14,999
3. $15,000 to $24,999
4. $25,000 to $39,999
5. $40,000 to $49,999
6. $50,000 to $74,999
7. $75,000 to $99,999
8. $100,000 to $149,999
9. $150,000 to $199,999
10. $200,000 or higher
If refused, prompt once:"We ask for information about your income because it is extremely important for our understanding of household finances in the United States. We greatly appreciate your response and your answer will remain completely anonymous."
Base: All respondents
I41 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, have you [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT:and/or your partner] received any of the following?
DOWN
a. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
b. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps)
c. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program benefits [ Display if L0_b=1]
d. Housing assistance from government program
e. Free or reduced price school lunches [ Display if L0_b=1]
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
I9 [S]
In the past 12 months, which one of the following best describes your [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse's / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner's] income?
1. Roughly the same amount each month
2. Occasionally varies from month to month
3. Varies quite often from month to month
Base: If (I9 = 2 or 3)
I12 [S]
Because your income varies, have you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner] struggled to pay your bills in the past 12 months?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
I20 [S]
In the past month, would you say that your [IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse's / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner's] total spending was:
3. More than your income
2. The same as your income
1. Less than your income
Financial Support from Outside the Home Section
Base: All respondents
FS10 [S]
Does anyone living outside of your household (such as a parent, child, other relatives, or friends) provide you with regular financial support? This may include cash or help with rent, groceries, education expenses, student loans, car payments, or other expenses.
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If FS10=1 (Receive financial support)
FS20 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Do you receive each of the following types of financial support from people living outside of your household?
DOWN
a. Help with rent or mortgage
b. Help with education expenses or student loans
c. Help with car payment
d. Help with other bills
e. Money for general expenses or anything else
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If FS10=1 (Receive financial support)
FS30 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Who outside of your household provides you with regular financial support or helps you with bill payments?
DOWN
a. Parent(s)
b. My adult child
c. Other relatives
d. Friends
e. Charity, church, or other organization
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
FS40 [S]
Do you provide regular financial support to anyone living outside of your household (such as a parent, child, other relatives, or friends)? This may include cash or help with rent, groceries, education expenses, student loans, car payments, or other expenses.
1. Yes
2. No
Emergency Fund Section
Base: All respondents
EF1 [S]
This section will ask some questions about your emergency savings, insurance, and economic hardships.
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?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If EF1 = 0 or refused (Does not have 3 months emergency fund)
EF2 [S]
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?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
EF3 [M]
Suppose that you have an emergency expense that costs $400. Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for this expense?
Suppress default instructions, instead show: If you would use more than one method to cover this expense, please select all that apply.
a. Put it on my credit card and pay it off in full at the next statement
b. Put it on my credit card and pay it off over time
c. With the money currently in my checking/savings account or with cash
d. Using money from a bank loan or line of credit
e. By borrowing from a friend or family member
f. Using a payday loan, deposit advance, or overdraft
g. By selling something
h. I wouldn't be able to pay for the expense right now
Base: All respondents
EF5A [S]
Which best describes your ability to pay all of your bills in full this month?
1. Able to pay all bills
0. Can't pay some bills
Base: If EF5A=1
EF5B [S]
How would a $400 emergency expense that you had to pay impact your ability to pay your other bills this month?
1. Would still be able to pay all bills
0. Could not pay some bills
Base: If EF5A=0 (unable to pay all bills this month)
EF6A [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are you expecting to be unable to pay or only make a partial payment on each of the following bills this month?
DOWN
a. Rent or mortgage
b. Credit card
c. Water, gas, or electric bill
d. Phone or cable bill
e. Car payment
f. Student loan
g. Other bills
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If EF5B=0 (unable to pay all bills this month if faced with a $400 expense)
EF6B [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Which of the following bills would you likely skip paying, or make only a partial payment on, if you had a $400 emergency expense that you had to pay?
DOWN
a. Rent or mortgage
b. Credit card
c. Water, gas, or electric bill
d. Phone or cable bill
e. Car payment
f. Student loan
g. Other bills
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Health and Insurance Section
Base: All respondents
E1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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?
DOWN
a. Prescription medicine
b. Seeing a doctor or specialist
c. Mental health care or counseling
d. Dental care
e. Follow-up care
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E2 [S]
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?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If E2=1 (Had major medical expense)
E2A [S]
Approximately how much did you pay out of pocket for unexpected major medical expenses in the past 12 months?
1. $1 to $499
2. $500 to $999
3. $1,000 to $1,999
4. $2,000 to $4,999
5. $5,000 or higher
-2. Don't know
Base: All respondents
E2B [S]
Do you currently have any debt from medical care you or your family members have received?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E4 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Are you currently covered by any of the following types of health insurance or health coverage plans?
DOWN
a. Insurance through an employer or union
b. Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company
c. Medicare or Medicaid
d. TRICARE, VA, or other military or veteran's health care
e. Insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange
f. Any other health insurance
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E5 [S]
Do you personally know someone who is currently addicted to opioids or prescription painkillers?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E6A [S]
Have any members of your immediate family ever been in prison or jail for one night or longer?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E6C [S]
Do you or someone in your immediate family currently have any unpaid legal expenses, fines, fees, or court costs?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E6B [S]
Have you ever been the victim of a violent crime?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
E7 [S]
During the past 12 months, have you personally experienced discrimination or unfair treatment because of your race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity?
1. Yes
0. No
Childhood Background Section
Base: If X2017=2 and X2018=2 (did not participate in the survey in the past 2 years)
CH0 [Text boxes]
We are interested in a few characteristics of your family when you were growing up.
Where did you live when you started high school?
a. City [Text box with 30 characters]
b. State: [Text box allowing 2 characters]
c. Zip Code: [Text box allowing 5 characters]
d. Country (if not in U.S.) [Text box allowing 30 characters]
Base: If X2017=2 and X2018=2 (did not participate in the survey in the past 2 years)
CH2 [S]
What is the highest level of education that your mother completed?
1. Less than high school degree
2. High school degree or GED
3. Some college but no degree
4. Certificate or technical degree
5. Associate degree
6. Bachelor's degree
7. Graduate degree
<Insert Space>
-2. Don't know
Base:if X2017=2 and X2018=2 (did not participate in the survey in the past 2 years)
CH3 [S]
What is the highest level of education that your father completed?
1. Less than high school degree
2. High school degree or GED
3. Some college but no degree
4. Certificate or technical degree
5. Associate degree
6. Bachelor's degree
7. Graduate degree
<Insert Space>
-2. Don't know
Financial Literacy Section
Base: All respondents
FL0 [S, VERTICAL SCALE]
[Randomize whether scale is ascending or descending]
Finally, we have a few questions about your views on finances and the economy.
Some people are fully prepared to take financial risks when they save or make investments, while others try to avoid taking financial risks.
On a scale from zero to ten, where zero is not at all willing to take risks and ten is very willing to take risks, what number would you [ IF PPMARIT=1, INSERT: and your spouse / IF PPMARIT=6, INSERT: and your partner] be on the scale?
0 - Not at all willing to take risks
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 - Very willing to take risks
Base: All respondents
FL2 [S]
Do you think the following statement is true or false?
"Buying a single company's stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund."
1. True
2. False
-2. Don't know
Base: All respondents
FL4 [S]
Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After 1 year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
1. More than today
2. Exactly the same
3. Less than today
-2. Don't know
Base: All respondents
FL5 [S]
Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2% per year. After 5 years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
1. More than $102
2. Exactly $102
3. Less than $102
-2. Don't know