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Supplemental Appendixes to the Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2019 - May 2020

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Appendix B: Consumer Responses to 2019 Survey Questions

Questions are listed below in the order in which they were presented to respondents in the 2019 survey. Questions with fewer than 12,173 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. Do each of the following people currently live with you?
Response Percent
My spouse or partner 67
My child(ren) under age 18 27
My adult child(ren) age 18 or older 15
My parent(s) 12
Other individuals 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question L0A. Are the adult children (who are age 18 or older) who live with you:
Response Percent
All currently enrolled in school 28
One or more not currently enrolled in school 71
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,781.

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) 43
Other relatives 35
Other people not related to you 34

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,325.

Question L1. You indicated that you live with (your parents, adult children who are not in school, your siblings, or) someone outside of your immediate family. Are each of the following reasons why you live with these individuals?
Response Percent
To save money 61
To provide financial assistance 51
To care for family member or friend 32
To receive help with childcare 8
Prefer living with others 29

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,077.

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 6
Just getting by 18
Doing okay 39
Living comfortably 36
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

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 2
Somewhat worse off 11
About the same 54
Somewhat better off 25
Much better off 7
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question B6. 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?
Response Percent
Much worse off 5
Somewhat worse off 15
About the same 22
Somewhat better off 31
Much better off 27
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question B7_a. In your community—how would you rate economic conditions today:
Response Percent
Poor 7
Only fair 30
Good 54
Excellent 9
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question B7_b. In this country—how would you rate economic conditions today:
Response Percent
Poor 11
Only fair 40
Good 42
Excellent 7
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Employment Section

Question D1A. Last month, did you do any work for either pay or profit?
Response Percent
Yes 63
No 37
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question D1E. At any time during the past month, did you want to work (more hours)?
Response Percent
Yes 33
No 67
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question D21. Did each of the following contribute to you not working or not working as much as you wanted last month?
Response Percent
Employer not offering more hours 57
Could not find work/another job 19
Childcare 10
Other family or personal obligations 23
Health limitations or disability 24
In school or training 8
Retired 35
Other (please specify) 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,405 (employer would not offer more hours) and 7,202 (all others).

Question D3A. Think about your main job. In this job, were you working for someone else, self-employed, or something else?
Response Percent
Working for someone else 86
Self-employed (working for myself) 11
Other work arrangement 3
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,376.

Question D3B. Still thinking about your main job, do you usually work:
Response Percent
Full time (35 or more hours per week) 76
Part time (less than 35 hours per week) 24
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,376.

Question D20. You indicated that you do not work full time at this job. Do you want a full-time job?
Response Percent
Yes 30
No 70
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,833.

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 same hours 74
Schedule varies, primarily at my request 9
Schedule varies, primarily based on my employer's needs 17
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,312.

Question D31. Approximately how far in advance does your employer usually tell you the hours that you will need to work on any given day?
Response Percent
One day in advance or less (including on call) 33
2 to 3 days in advance 15
4 to 6 days in advance 12
1 to 2 weeks in advance 23
3 weeks in advance or longer 17
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,030.

Question D33. Is your main job a temporary job?
Response Percent
Yes 7
No 90
Don't know 2
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,376.

Question D34. For your main job, where do you work most of the time?
Response Percent
A place that belongs to my employer 84
At home 7
Somewhere else 9
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,312.

Question D4. In addition to your main job, did you have any other jobs last month?
Response Percent
Yes 15
No 84
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,376.

Question D44. (Think about any job in the past 12 months, not just your main job.) In the past 12 months, have you:
Response Percent
Asked for a raise or a promotion 18
Received a raise or a promotion 49
Applied for a new job 22
Started a new job 13
Voluntarily left a job 9
Gotten laid off or fired from a job 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,376 (asked for or received a raise or promotion) and 12,173 (all others).

Question D5. Last month, did your spouse or partner do any work for either pay or profit?
Response Percent
Yes 65
No 34
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,797.

Gig Economy Section

Question GE1. In the past month, have you been paid for each of the following activities?
Response Percent
Childcare or eldercare services 4
Dog walking, feeding pets, or house sitting 3
House cleaning, yard work, or other property maintenance work 7
Driving or ride-sharing, such as with Uber or Lyft 3
Paid tasks online 2
Other paid personal tasks, such as deliveries, running errands, or helping people move 4

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question GE2. In addition, in the past month, have you been paid for each of the following activities?
Response Percent
Selling goods yourself at flea markets or garage sales 5
Selling goods at consignment shops or thrift stores 3
Selling goods online, such as on eBay or Etsy 9
Selling goods at an event you plan, such as Avon parties 1
Renting out property, such as your car or house 4
Any other paid activities that you have not already mentioned (do not include KnowledgePanel surveys) 5

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question GE12. Are the items you sold ones that you:
Response Percent
Made or repurposed, such as handmade crafts 16
Sell on behalf of a company, such as Avon or Pampered Chef 5
Purchased to resell for a profit 23
Previously owned for personal use, such as old clothing 73

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,634.

Question GE10. In the past month, what were your reasons for doing these activities?
Response Percent
Main source of income 12
Additional income 61
Money to help extended family or friends 8
Develop job-related skills 3
Sell items no longer needed 32
Social activity or hobby 16

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE11. In the past month, which was your most important reason for doing these activities?
Response Percent
Main source of income 11
Additional income 51
Money to help extended family or friends 4
Develop job-related skills 1
Sell items no longer needed 22
Social activity or hobby 10
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,581.

Question GE20A. Did you spend at least 20 hours in the past month doing these activities? (Do not include taking KnowledgePanel Surveys.)
Response Percent
Yes 33
No 67
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE22. Relative to a year ago, last month did you spend more, the same, or less time doing these activities?
Response Percent
More 24
Less 28
About the same 47
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE40A. In the past 12 months, how much of your income was from doing these activities?
Response Percent
Under 10% 64
10% to 50% 15
50% to 90% 4
Over 90% 6
Don't know 10
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE40B. In the past 12 months, have you regularly earned money from doing these activities?
Response Percent
No, only in some or a few months 70
Yes, in all or most months 29
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE41. Has doing these activities affected the amount your family income varies from month to month?
Response Percent
No 67
Yes, it reduced the amount income varies 6
Yes, it increased the amount income varies 27
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

Question GE5. Last month when doing these activities did you find customers with a company's website or mobile app and receive your payment through that company? For example, Uber drivers find riders with the Uber app and receive payments through Uber.
Response Percent
Yes 13
No 86
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,703.

General Housing Section

Question GH1. Do you and/or your spouse/partner:
Response Percent
Own your home with a mortgage or loan 42
Own your home free and clear (without a mortgage or loan) 21
Pay rent 28
Neither own nor pay rent 8
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question GH2. Did you move into your current home after October 2017?
Response Percent
Yes 20
No 79
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question GH3. Are you generally satisfied or dissatisfied with each of the following aspects of your housing situation?
Response Percent
Overall quality of neighborhood 90
Quality of local schools 84
Safety of neighborhood 88
Other neighborhood amenities 79
Overall quality of your housing 87
Cost of your housing 78

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 11,387 (cost of living) and 12,173 (all others).

Question GH4. Do you or any member of your household have access to the internet using a:
Response Percent
Cellular data plan for a smartphone or other mobile device 91
Broadband (high speed) internet service in your home, such as cable, fiber optic, or DSL 89

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Rent Section

Question R1. Are each of the following a reason why you rent your home rather than own?
Response Percent
Cheaper to rent 55
Owning is a bigger financial risk 50
Convenience (such as more easy to move) 52
Looking to buy 35
Can't qualify mortgage to buy 41
Can't afford down payment to buy 62

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,231.

Question R4. Before your recent move, did you own your previous home?
Response Percent
No 87
Yes, and I still own that home 3
Yes, and I no longer own that home 10
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,348.

Question R5B. Did each of the following contribute to your moving from your previous home?
Response Percent
Evicted or received an eviction notice 4
Landlord told you, or a person you were staying with, to leave 6
You missed a rent payment and thought you would be evicted 3
City condemned the property and forced you to leave 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,151.

Question R5C. Did each of the following contribute to your moving from your previous home?
Response Percent
Bank took possession of your home in foreclosure 12
Received a notice from bank that they planned to foreclose 13
Missed mortgage payments and thought bank would foreclose 11
City condemned the property and forced you to leave 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 159.

Question R7. 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?
Response Percent
Yes 56
No 44
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,231.

Question R8. Did you contact your landlord about the problem with your house or apartment that needed to be fixed?
Response Percent
Yes 90
No 10
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,849.

Question R8A. 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?
Response Percent
None 44
A little difficulty 24
Moderate difficulty 15
Substantial difficulty 17
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,667.

Question R3. About how much do you (and/or your spouse/partner) pay for rent each month?
Response Percent
Less than $500 18
$500 to $749 21
$750 to $999 19
$1,000 to $1,249 13
$1,250 to 1,499 10
$1,500 to $1,999 9
$2,000 or above 8
Don't know 2
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,231.

 

Mortgage Section

Question M4. About how much is your total monthly mortgage payment (i.e., the amount you send to the bank)?
Response Percent
Less than $500 8
$500 to $749 13
$750 to $999 13
$1,000 to $1,249 15
$1,250 to 1,499 13
$1,500 to $1,999 14
$2,000 or above 21
Don't know 2
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,196.

 

Banking Section

Question BK1. Do you (and/or your spouse/partner) currently have a checking, savings, or money market account?
Response Percent
Yes 94
No 6
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question BK2. In the past 12 months, did you (and/or your spouse/partner):
Response Percent
Purchase a money order from a place other than a bank 12
Cash a check at a place other than a bank 8
Take out a payday loan or paycheck advance 3
Take out a pawn shop loan or auto title loan 3
Obtain a tax refund advance to receive your refund faster 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Credit Application Section

Question A6. If you were to apply for a credit card today, how confident are you that your approved?
Response Percent
Very confident 62
Somewhat confident 18
Not confident 15
Don't know 4
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question A0. In the past 12 months, have you (or your spouse/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)?
Response Percent
Yes 41
No 59
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question A0B. Was there a time in the past 12 months that you (or your spouse/or your partner) desired credit but chose not to submit a credit application?
Response Percent
Yes 11
No 89
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,227.

Question A1. In the past 12 months, has each of the following happened to you (or your spouse/or your partner):
Response Percent
Turned down for credit 24
Approved for credit, but were not given as much credit as you applied for 16
Put off applying for credit because you thought you might be turned down 19

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,946.

Question A2. You indicated that you (or your spouse/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?
Response Percent
Yes 65
No 35
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 725.

Credit Condition Section

Question C2A. Do you have at least one credit card?
Response Percent
Yes 83
No 17
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question C3. Do you currently have any outstanding unpaid credit card debt?
Response Percent
Yes 45
No 55
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,461.

Question C3A. Do you (and your spouse/and your partner) currently have more, less, or about the same amount of credit card debt than you had 12 months ago?
Response Percent
Less debt now 31
About the same 39
More debt now 29
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,672.

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) 48
Once 6
Some of the time 20
Most or all of the time 26
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,461.

 

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 7
High school degree or GED 27
Some college but no degree (including currently enrolled
in college)		 17
Certificate or technical degree 5
Associate degree 9
Bachelor's degree 20
Master's degree 9
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 4
Doctoral degree 2
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

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 4
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question ED0B. What type of program are you currently pursuing?
Response Percent
High school or GED program 5
Non-degree training program 3
Certificate or technical degree 10
Associate degree 20
Bachelor's degree 37
Master's degree 13
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 6
Doctoral degree 7
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 739.

Question ED0D. Have you ever enrolled in an educational degree program beyond high school?
Response Percent
Yes 13
No 87
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,668.

Question ED1. Which one of the following broad categories best describes your current/most recent educational program?
Response Percent
Humanities/arts 7
Social/behavioral sciences 7
Life sciences 3
Physical sciences/math 3
Computer/information sciences 8
Engineering 6
Education 8
Business/management 20
Health 11
Law 4
Vocational/technical training 8
Undeclared 5
Other 9
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 9,385.

Question ED4A. Were you under age 25 when you last attended this educational program?
Response Percent
Yes 59
No 40
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,858.

Question ED5. Overall, how would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your current/most recent educational program compare to its costs?
Response Percent
Financial benefits are much larger 18
Financial benefits are somewhat larger 16
About the same 38
Financial costs are somewhat larger 11
Financial costs are much larger 15
Refused 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,185.

Question ED6. If you could go back and make your educational decisions again, would have you done each of these things:
Response Percent
Chosen a different field of study 42
Attended a different school 37
Not attended college or completed less education 12
Completed more education 75

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,858.

Question ED9A. Were you under age 25 when you received your associate/bachelor's degree?
Response Percent
Yes 77
No 22
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,201.

Question ED10. Overall, how would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your associate/bachelor's degree compare to its costs?
Response Percent
Financial benefits are much larger 41
Financial benefits are somewhat larger 24
About the same 19
Financial costs are somewhat larger 9
Financial costs are much larger 7
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,201.

Question ED11. If you could go back and make decisions regarding your associate/bachelor's degree again, would you have done each of these things:
Response Percent
Chosen a different field of study 36
Attended a different school 24
Not attended college or completed less education 6
Completed more education 42

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,201.

Question ED13. Are each of the following a reason why you did not attend college?
Response Percent
Too expensive 61
Childcare responsibilities 25
Needed to earn money or support family 51
Preferred to work 58
Did not think benefits of attending college were worth the cost 44
Illness or health issues 10

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 506.

Question ED14. Are each of the following reason why you did not complete you college degree?
Response Percent
Too expensive 57
Childcare responsibilities 24
Needed to earn money or support family 51
Preferred to work 48
Did not think benefits of college were worth the cost 37
Illness or health issues 23
Low grades 22

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 567.

Student Loans Section

Question SL1. Do you currently have student loan debt or owe any money used to pay for your own education?
Response Percent
Yes 16
No 84
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question SL2. Think about the money you currently owe for your own education. Is this money you owe for that education on a:
Response Percent
Student loan 95
Home equity loan 4
Credit card 23
Other loan 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,923.

Question SL3. 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.
Response Percent
Less than $5,000 14
$5,000 to $9,999 13
$10,000 to $14,999 11
$15,000 to $19,999 9
$20,000 to $24,999 7
$25,000 to $29,999 6
$30,000 to $39,999 9
$40,000 to $49,999 5
$50,000 to $74,999 10
$75,000 to $99,999 4
$100,000 or above 10
Don't know 3
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,923.

Question SL4. Approximately how much is the total monthly payment that you are required to make on the loans from your education?
Response Percent
I am currently not required to make any payments
on these loans		 28
$1 to $99 14
$100 to $199 16
$200 to $299 12
$300 to $399 8
$400 to $499 4
$500 to $999 8
$1,000 or above 4
Don't know 6
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,923.

Question SL6. Are you behind on payments or in collections for one or more of the loans from your own education?
Response Percent
Yes 17
No 82
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,923.

Question SL7. Did you borrow money or take out any loans to pay for your own education that you have since repaid?
Response Percent
Yes 17
No 83
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,250.

Question SL8. 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)?
Response Percent
Certificate or technical training 14
Associate degree 21
Bachelor's degree 62
Professional degree (e.g., MBA, MD, JD) 10
Master's degree or doctoral degree 17

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,967.

Question SL10. Do you currently owe money used to pay for your spouse's or partner's education?
Response Percent
Yes 6
No 94
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 7,797.

Question SL11. Do you currently owe money used to pay for child's or grandchild's education?
Response Percent
Yes 7
No 76
Do not have children or grandchildren 18
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,232.

Question SL12. 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 or loan? If you have multiple loans, please select all that apply.
Response Percent
Student loan 85
Home equity loan 11
Credit card 16
Other loan 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 661.

Retirement Planning Section

Question D1I. Do you consider yourself to be retired?
Response Percent
Yes 27
No 73
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question K0. Do you think that your retirement savings plan is currently on track?
Response Percent
Yes 37
No 44
Don't know 18
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,179.

Question K2. Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings?
Response Percent
401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or other defined contribution plan through an employer 55
Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a fixed monthly amount in retirement 22
IRA or Roth IRA 33
Savings outside a retirement account 47
Own a business or real estate that will provide income in retirement 10
Other retirement savings 13

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,179.

Question K8A. At what age did you retire?
Response Percent
59 or younger 42
60 or 61 9
62, 63, or 64 23
65 or 66 12
67, 68, or 69 5
70 or older 7
Not sure 1
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 4,024 (62, 63, or 64), 3,273 (65 or 66), 2,783 (67, 68, or 69), 2,060 (70 or older), and 3,994 (all others).

Question K9. Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did?
Response Percent
Health problem 30
Wanted to do other things or spend time with family 53
Didn't like the work 15
Care for family members 15
Reached normal retirement age 39
Forced to retire or lack of available work 11

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,994.

Question K10. In the past 12 months, have you used each of the following to cover expenses in retirement:
Response Percent
Withdrawals from savings or a retirement account 37
Money from selling a business or real estate that you own 3

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,994.

Question K20. Approximately how much money do you currently have saved for retirement?
Response Percent
Less than $10,000 22
$10,000 to $24,999 8
$25,000 to $49,999 8
$50,000 to $99,999 9
$100,000 to $249,999 13
$250,000 to $499,999 10
$500,000 to $999,999 9
Over $1,000,000 8
Don't know 13
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,114.

Question DC4. How comfortable are you with making your own investment decisions in your retirement accounts?
Response Percent
Very comfortable 14
Mostly comfortable 27
Slightly comfortable 33
Not comfortable 26
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 6,120.

Question K5A. In the past 12 months, have you borrowed money from or cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from any of your retirement savings accounts?
Response Percent
No 91
Yes, borrowed money 4
Yes, cashed out 4
Yes, both 1
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 8,179.

 

Income and Consumption Section

Question I0. In the past 12 months, did you (and/or your spouse/partner) receive any income from the following sources:
Response Percent
Wages, salaries, or self-employment income 69
Interest, dividends, or rental income 33
Social Security (including old age and DI) 26
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), TANF, or cash assistance from a welfare program 5
Unemployment income 2
Pension 19

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question I0A. Did you (and/or your spouse/partner) receive any income from any source in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Yes 37
No 63
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 900.

Question I40. Which of the following categories best describes the total income that you (and your spouse/partner) received from all sources, before taxes and deductions, in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
$0 6
$1 to $4,999 6
$5,000 to $14,999 7
$15,000 to $24,999 7
$25,000 to $39,999 10
$40,000 to $49,999 8
$50,000 to $74,999 15
$75,000 to $99,999 11
$100,000 to $149,999 14
$150,000 to $199,999 8
$200,000 or higher 7
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question I41. In the past 12 months, have you (and/or your spouse/partner) received any of the following?
Response Percent
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 10
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or
food stamps)		 10
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program benefits 10
Housing assistance from government program 3
Free or reduced price school lunches 20

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,853 (WIC nutrition program or school lunches) and 12,173 (all others).

Question I9. In the past 12 months, which one of the following best describes your (and your spouse's/and your partner's) income?
Response Percent
Roughly the same 71
Occasionally varies 21
Varies often 8
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question I12. Because your income varies, have you (and your spouse/and your partner) struggled to pay your bills in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
Yes 35
No 65
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 3,271.

Question I20. In the past month, would you say that your (and your spouse's/and your partner's) total spending was:
Response Percent
Less than your income 52
The same as your income 31
More than your income 17
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Financial Support from Outside Home Section

Question FS10. 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.
Response Percent
Yes 10
No 90
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question FS20. Did you receive each of the following types of financial support from people living outside of your household?
Response Percent
Help paying rent or mortgage 35
Help with education expenses or student loans 22
Help with car payment 18
Help with other bills 50
Money for general expenses 64

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,019.

Question FS30. Who outside your household provides you with regular financial support or helps you with bill payments?
Response Percent
Parent(s) 68
My adult child 14
Other relatives 21
Friends 11
Charity, church, or other organization 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,019.

Question FS40. 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, educational expenses, student loans, car payments, or other expenses.
Response Percent
Yes 17
No 82
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

 

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
Yes 53
No 47
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

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
Yes 37
No 62
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 5,344.

Question EF3. Suppose that you have an emergency expense that costs $400. Based on your current financial situation, how you would pay for this expense?
Response Percent
Put it on my credit card and pay it off in full at the next statement 35
Put it on a credit card and pay it off over time 15
With the money currently in my checking/savings account or with cash 46
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 12

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question EF5A. Which best describes your ability to pay all of your bills in full this month?
Response Percent
Can't pay some bills 16
Able to pay all bills 84
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question EF5B. How would a $400 emergency expense that you had to pay impact your ability to pay your other bills this month?
Response Percent
Could not pay some bills 15
Would still be able to pay all bills 85
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 10,320.

Question EF6A. Are you expecting to be unable to pay or only make a partial payment on each of the following bills this month?
Response Percent
Rent or mortgage 23
Credit card 45
Water, gas or electric bill 32
Phone or cable bill 34
Car payment 17
Student loan 11
Other bills 33

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,828.

Question EF6B. 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?
Response Percent
Rent or mortgage 8
Credit card 50
Water, gas, or electric bill 21
Phone or cable bill 49
Car payment 12
Student loan 26
Other bills 50

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 1,317.

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 9
Seeing a doctor or specialist 14
Mental health care or counseling 7
Dental care 18
Follow-up care 8

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

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
Yes 22
No 77
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E2A. Approximately how much did you pay out of pocket for unexpected major medical expenses in the past 12 months?
Response Percent
$1 to $499 21
$500 to $999 22
$1,000 to $1,999 20
$2,000 to $4,999 23
$5,000 or higher 10
Don't know 3
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 2,874.

Question E2B. Do you currently have any debt from medical care you or your family members have received?
Response Percent
Yes 18
No 82
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

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 57
Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company 10
Medicare or Medicaid 32
TRICARE, VA, or other military or veteran's health care 6
Insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange 4
Any other health insurance 6

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E5. Do you personally know someone who is currently addicted to opioids or prescription painkillers?
Response Percent
Yes 9
No 91
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E6A. Have any members of your immediate family ever been in prison or jail for one night or longer?
Response Percent
Yes 22
No 78
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E6C. Do you or someone in your immediate family currently have any unpaid legal expenses, fines, fees, or court costs?
Response Percent
Yes 6
No 93
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E6B. Have you ever been the victim of a violent crime?
Response Percent
Yes 9
No 91
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question E7. 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?
Response Percent
Yes 12
No 88
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

 

Childhood Background Section

Question CH2. What is the highest level of education that your mother completed?
Response Percent
Less than high school degree 18
High school degree or GED 36
Some college but no degree 10
Certificate or technical degree 5
Associate degree 5
Bachelor's degree 12
Graduate degree 6
Don't know 5
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question CH3. What is the highest level of education that your father completed?
Response Percent
Less than high school degree 20
High school degree or GED 29
Some college but no degree 8
Certificate or technical degree 5
Associate degree 3
Bachelor's degree 12
Graduate degree 9
Don't know 10
Refused 2

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Financial Literacy Section

Question FL0. 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 0 to 10, where 0 is not at all willing to take risks and 10 is very willing to take risks, what number would you (and/or your spouse/partner) be on the scale?
Response Percent
0 Not at all 14
1 5
2 8
3 10
4 10
5 20
6 10
7 11
8 6
9 2
10 Very willing 3
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question FL2. 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."
Response Percent
True 4
False (*correct response*) 45
Don't know 51
Refused 0

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question FL4. 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?
Response Percent
More than today 4
Exactly the same 8
Less than today (*correct response*) 61
Don't know 26
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Question FL5. 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?
Response Percent
More than $102 (*correct response*) 72
Exactly $102 6
Less than $102 5
Don't know 16
Refused 1

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

Respondent Demographics

 

Summary statistics for demographics, 2019 survey
Demographic characteristic Weighted percent Unweighted percent
Gender
Male 48 52
Female 52 48
Age 1
18–29 21 16
30–44 25 21
45–59 25 26
60+ 29 37
Education
Less than high school 7 4
High school degree 27 22
Some college, no associate degree 22 23
Associate degree 9 9
Bachelor's degree or more 35 42
Race and ethnicity
White, non-Hispanic 64 70
Black, non-Hispanic 12 10
Other, non-Hispanic 7 5
Hispanic 16 12
2+ races, non-Hispanic 1 3
Family income
Less than $40,000 37 35
$40,000–$100,000 34 37
Greater than $100,000 29 28
Household income
Less than $40,000 25 27
$40,000–$100,000 38 40
Greater than $100,000 37 33
Marital status
Single, not living with partner 36 36
Living with partner 8 7
Married 56 57
Region
Northeast 17 18
Midwest 21 23
South 38 35
West 24 24

Note: Number of unweighted respondents = 12,173.

 1. Mean weighted age = 48. Mean unweighted age = 51. Return to table

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Last Update: May 21, 2020