Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire
This appendix contains a reproduction of the survey instrument. 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 well-being 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. This survey may include personal questions, including such topics as your household finances. Your responses are used for research purposes only and will remain anonymous—results are reported only for groups, not for individuals. Participation is voluntary, and you can choose not to answer any question. Answering the questions means that you accept us collecting the data.
You may have answered similar questions like this in the past. We appreciate your patience in answering them now.
OMB Control Number: 7100-0374
Expiration Date: November 30, 2023
[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 0.35 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, DC 20551, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (7100-0374), Washington, DC 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 (Living with adult children)
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 (Living with other individuals)
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_b=1 (Living with children under age 18)
L0C [S]
How many children do you have who are under age 18 and currently live with you?
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5 or more
Base: If L0_b=1 (Living with children under age 18)
L0E [S]
How old is your [If L0C>1, INSERT: youngest] child that lives with you?
1. 0 to 2 years old
2. 3 to 5
3. 6 to 12
4. 13 to 17
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
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
Base: All respondents
X11 [TEXT BOX]
In a couple of words please describe the main financial challenges or concerns facing you or your family. If none please click the "None" box.
Text box [150 Characters]
<INSERT SPACE>
999. None [S]
Caregiving Section
Base: If L0E<=3 (Living with children under age 13)
CG1 [S]
Currently, how many hours per week do you use paid childcare?
0. None
1. 1 to 4 hours
2. 5 to 9 hours
3. 10 to 19 hours
4. 20 hours or more
Base: If L0E<=3 and CG1 ne 0 (Living with children under age 13 and uses paid childcare)
CG2 [NUMBER BOX]
How much do you pay per week for childcare [If L0C>1, INSERT: in total for all of your children]?
Number Box $[0-9,999] per week
Base: If L0E<=3 and L0_a=1 (Living with children under age 13 and lives with spouse/partner)
CG3 [S]
When it comes to taking care of your children when they are at home, which of the following statements best describes the caretaking responsibilities?
1. I am usually the primary caretaker
2. My spouse/partner is usually the primary caretaker
3. My spouse/partner and I equally share caretaking responsibilities
Base: All respondents
CG4 [S]
Do you regularly provide unpaid help or take care of an adult relative or friend who needs
assistance due to aging, disability, or illness?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If CG4=1 (Cares for adult relative or friend)
CG5 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Do you regularly provide unpaid help or care to each of the following people due to aging,
disability, or illness?
DOWN
1. Your parent
2. Your spouse's or partner's parent (Display if L0_a=1)
3. Your spouse or partner (Display if L0_a=1)
4. An adult child (age 18 or older)
5. Another relative
6. A friend or neighbor
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If CG4=1 (Cares for adult relative or friend)
CG6 [S]
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?
1. Daily
2. Several days per week
3. Several days per month
4. Once per month
5. Less than once per month
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: If D1A=1 (Working)
D4 [S]
Last month, did you have more than one job, including part-time, evening, or weekend work?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D48 [S]
[If D4=1, INSERT: Thinking about all your jobs, do] [ELSE, INSERT: Do] you usually work 35 hours or more per week?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D4 ne 0 and D48=1 (Has more than one job and works 35 or more hours per week)
D3B [S]
Thinking about your main job (where you earn the most money), do you usually work 35 hours or more per week:
1. Yes
0. No
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 D48=0 (Not working or working less than 35 hours per week)
D22 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to you [if D1A=0, INSERT: not working] [ELSE, insert: working less than 35 hours per week] in the last month?
DOWN
a. Could not find [IF D48=0, INSERT: more] work
b. Full-time workweek less than 35 hours (Display if D48=0)
c. Childcare
d. Caregiving for an elderly, disabled, or sick adult
e. Other family or personal obligations
f. Would lose access to unemployment benefits or other government programs
g. Health limitations or disability
h. In school or training
i. Retired
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D3A [S]
[If D4 ne 0, INSERT: Think about your main job (the job from which you earned the most money in the past month). In this job, were you working] [ELSE, INSERT: Did you work] for someone else, were you self-employed, or something else?
0. Working for someone else
1. Self-employed (working for myself)
2. Other work arrangement
Base: If D3A=0 (Working for someone else)
D28 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
How often do each of these statements describe your work situation [IF D4 ne 0, INSERT: at your main job]?
DOWN
a. I can choose what tasks I work on
b. I can choose how I complete tasks at work
ACROSS
5. Always
4. Often
3. Sometimes
2. Rarely
1. Never
Base: If D3A=0 (Working for someone else)
D30 [S]
[IF D4 ne 0, INSERT: Still thinking about your main job, do] [ELSE, INSERT: 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 D1A=1 (Working)
D47 [S]
Some employers restrict what their employees can do if they leave their job. [IF D4 ne 0, INSERT: In your main job, did] [ELSE, INSERT: 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.
1. Yes
0. No
-2. Don't know
Base: If D1A=1 (Working)
D34A [S]
Thinking about the work you did last week, how much of it did you do by telecommuting or working from home?
0. None
1. Some
2. All
CREATE [DOV_D36_ORDER]:
0 for 1/2 of sample
1 for 1/2 of sample
If DOV_D36_ORDER=0, ask D36A before D36_B.
If DOV_D36_ORDER=1, ask D36B before D36_A.
CREATE [DOV_D36_AMOUNT]:
"decreased your pay by 10 percent" for 1/4 of sample
"decreased your pay by 5 percent" for 1/4 of sample
"decreased your pay by 1 percent" for 1/4 of sample
"kept your pay the same for a year" for 1/4 of sample
Base: If D3A=0 and D34A=(1 or 2) (Working for someone else and works from home at least some of the time)
D36A [S]
How likely would you be to actively look for another job or leave your job if you had to report to work in person each workday?
1. Very likely
2. Somewhat likely
3. Not that likely
4. Not at all likely
Base: If D3A=0 (Working for someone else)
D36B [S]
How likely would you be to actively look for another job or leave your job if your employer [DOV_36_AMOUNT]?
1. Very likely
2. Somewhat likely
3. Not that likely
4. Not at all likely
Base: All respondents
D44_f [S]
[If D1A=1, INSERT: 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)?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
D44 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
[If D1A=1, INSERT: Think about any job in the past 12 months.] 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
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D1A=1 and D44_d=1 (Working and started a new job)
D37A [S]
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?
1. Different main job—new employer
2. Different main job—same employer
3. Same main job—started a second job
4. Was not working a year ago
5. Other
Base: If D37A=1 or 2 (Changed main job)
D38 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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?
DOWN
a. Pay or benefits
b. Opportunities for advancement
c. Your interest in the work
d. Physical demands of the job
f. Work-life balance
ACROSS
1. Better
2. About the same
3. Worse
Base: If D37A=1 or 2 (Changed main job)
D39 [S]
Overall, is the main job you have now better, the same, or worse than the one you had a year ago?
1. Better
2. About the same
3. Worse
Base: If D1A=1 and [D44_d ne 1 or (D37A=3, 5, or refused)] (Working and did not change jobs or start a new main job in the past year)
D45 [S]
How long have you been working continuously in your main job (where you earn the most money)?
1. Less than a year
2. 1 to 4 years
3. 5 to 9 years
4. 10 or more years
Base: If L0_a=1 (Married or living with partner)
D5 [S]
Last month, did your spouse or partner do any work for either pay or profit?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D5=1 (Spouse is working)
D49 [S]
Does your spouse or partner usually work 35 hours or more per week?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If D5=0 or D49=0 (Spouse/partner not working or working less than 35 hours per week)
D41 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to your spouse or partner [if D5=0, INSERT: not working] [ELSE, insert: working less than 35 hours per week] in the last month?
DOWN
a. Could not find [IF D49=0, INSERT: more] work
b. Full-time workweek less than 35 hours (Display if D49=0)
c. Childcare
d. Caregiving for an elderly, disabled, or sick adult
e. Other family or personal obligations
f. Would lose access to unemployment benefits or other government programs
g. Health limitations or disability
h. In school or training
i. Retired
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Housing Section
Base: All respondents
GH1 [S]
This section will ask some questions about your home.
Do you [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: (and/or your spouse or 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: If GH1=2 (Own home free and clear)
GH12 [S]
Do you have either a homeowner's insurance or a condo insurance policy for your primary
residence?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If GH1=3 (Renters)
R1. [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS, RANDOMIZE a-g]
Are each of the following a reason why you rent your home rather than own?
DOWN
1. Renting is cheaper
2. Renting is less financially risky
3. Renting is more convenient or flexible
4. Trying to buy
5. Can't qualify for home mortgage
6. Can't afford down payment to buy
7. Can't afford mortgage monthly payment
8. Prefer to rent
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
GH2 [S]
When did you move into your current home?
1. Before 2022
2. 2022
3. 2023
Base: If (GH2=3) (Moved in 2023)
R4 [S]
Before your most 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=3) and (R4=0 or refused) (Moved in 2023 and did not own previous home)
R5E [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Was the main reason that you moved in the past year because of rent increases at your previous home or apartment?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If (GH2=3) and (R4=0 or refused) (Moved in 2023 and did not own previous home)
R5B [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to your moving in the past year?
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=3) and (R4=2) (Moved in 2023 and owned previous home)
R5C [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did each of the following contribute to your moving in the past year?
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)
R3 [NUMBER BOX]
Approximately how much do you [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse or partner] pay for rent each month?
Number Box $[0-9,999]
Base: If GH1=3 (Renters)
R11 [S]
Have you been behind on your rent at any time in the past year?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If GH1=1 (Homeowners with a mortgage)
M4 [NUMBER BOX]
Approximately how much is your total monthly mortgage payment (i.e., the amount you send to the bank)?
Number Box $[0-9,999]
Base: All respondents
GH3 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of your neighborhood?
DOWN
a. Overall quality
b. Quality of your local schools
c. Crime risk
d. Natural disaster and severe weather risk
e. Cost of housing
ACROSS
1. Very dissatisfied
2. Somewhat dissatisfied
3. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
4. Somewhat satisfied
5. Very satisfied
Natural Disasters Section
Base: All respondents
ND0 [S]
In the past year, have you been financially affected by natural disasters or severe weather events like flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extreme temperatures?
3. Yes, substantially
2. Yes, moderately
1. Yes, slightly
0. No
Base: If ND0 ne 0 (Affected financially by natural disasters)
ND1 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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?
DOWN
a. Income loss or work disruption
b. Property damage
c. Needed to evacuate temporarily
d. Longer-term displacement from home
e. Other (please specify) [text box]
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
ND2 [S]
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?
1. Much higher
2. Somewhat higher
3. About the same
4. Somewhat lower
5. Much lower
Base: All respondents
ND4 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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?
DOWN
a. Investigated other places to live
b. Improved your property to reduce risk
c. Purchased additional insurance
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Banking Section
Base: All respondents
BK1 [S]
This section will ask some questions about your experiences with banks and credit.
Do you [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse or 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 L0_a=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse or 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
f. Pay an overdraft fee on a bank account (Display if BK1=1)
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 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=1 (Those who applied for credit)
A7 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS] [S]
Have you applied for each of the following types of credit in the past 12 months?
DOWN
a. Credit card
b. Car/auto loan
c. Student loan
d. Mortgage (purchase or refinance)
e. Home equity loan or line of credit
f. Other credit or loan
ACROSS
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 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:
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 (A1_a=1 or A1_b=1) and at least two of (A7_a – A7_f) selected
If only one of A7_a – A7_f selected, do not ask and auto-punch response
A8 [S]
Were you turned down or offered less credit than requested for the following types of credit in the past 12 months?
[ONLY SHOW OPTIONS SELECTED IN A7]
DOWN
a. Credit card
b. Car/auto loan
c. Student loan
d. Mortgage (purchase or refinance)
e. Home equity loan or line of credit
f. Other credit or loan
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If A0B=1 (Did not apply for credit but desired credit)
A2 [S]
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?
1. Yes
0. No
Credit Condition Section
Base: All respondents
C2A [S]
Do you currently have at least one credit card? Please do not include debit cards or prepaid cards.
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If C2A=1 or refused (Has a credit card)
C3P [S]
Last month, how did you handle your credit card bills?
1. paid at least the minimum payment on all credit cards
2. did not pay or paid less than the minimum payment on at least one card
<insert space>
-9. did not use any of my credit cards so had no balances
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
Base: All respondents
BNPL1 [S]
In the past year, have you used a "Buy Now Pay Later" service to buy something?
Buy Now Pay Later lets you pay part of the price upfront and pay the rest over time. It is sometimes called a "pay in four" service.
We are not asking about purchases made directly with credit cards, layaway, or rent-to-own
services.
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If BNPL1=1 (Has used a BNPL service in the past year)
BNPL3 [S]
In the past year, have you ever been late making a payment for something you bought using a Buy Now Pay Later service?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If BNPL3=1 or refused (Has been late making BNPL payment in the past year)
BNPL3A [S]
In the past year, have you been charged extra because you were late on a buy now pay
later payment?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If BNPL1=1 (Has used a BNPL service in the past year)
BNPL4 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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?
DOWN
a. Avoid interest charges
b. Wanted to spread out payments
c. Wanted a fixed number of payments
d. Convenience
e. Only way I could afford it
f. Only accepted payment method I had
g. Did not want to use a credit card
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Cryptocurrency Section
Base: All respondents
S16 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past year, have you done the following with cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum?
DOWN
a. Bought cryptocurrency or held as an investment
b. Used cryptocurrency to buy something or make a payment
c. Used cryptocurrency to send money to friends or family
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If S16_c=1 (Used cryptocurrency to send money to friends or family)
S18 [S]
Were any of the family or friends you sent cryptocurrency to living outside of the United States?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If S16_b=1 or S16_c=1 (used cryptocurrency for transactions)
S21 [S]
What was the main reason you used cryptocurrency to buy something, make a payment, or send money?
1. Privacy
2. To send the money faster
3. Cheaper
4. Safer
5. Don't trust banks
6. Person or business receiving the money preferred cryptocurrency
7. Other (please specify) [text box]
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<=4 DOV_ED="most recent educational program"
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 and not "international"
ED2B [DROPDOWN]
What is the name of the school you [IF D1G=1 or D1G=2, INSERT: currently attend / IF D1G=0 or D1G=REFUSED, INSERT: attended for your most recent educational program]?
School name: [State-specific drop-down list]
If you do not see the school you attended in the list above, please type it into the text box provided.
Other school not listed: [text box]
Base: If DOV_EDRECODE=3 or 4 and D1G not equal 1 or 2 (Some
college or certificate, not currently enrolled)
ED4 [NUMBER BOX]
In what year did you last attend this educational program?
Number box [(2023-PPAGE) – 2023]
Base: If (DOV_EDRECODE=5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) (Associate degree or above)
ED7A [DROPDOWN]
In what state is the school from which 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 and not "International"
ED7B [DROPDOWN]
What is the name of the school from which you received your [DOV_ED]?
School name: [State-specific drop-down list]
If you do not see the school you attended in the list above, please type it into the text box provided.
Other school not listed: [text box]
Base: If (DOV_EDRECODE=5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) (Associate degree or above)
ED9 [NUMBER BOX]
In what year did you receive your [DOV_ED]?
Number box [(2023-PPAGE) – 2023]
Base: If (DOV_EDRECODE=4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) or (DOV_EDRECODE=3 and D1G=0 or refused) (Certificate or technical degree or above, or some college and not enrolled)
ED10 [S]
Overall, how would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your [DOV_ED] compares 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=4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) or (DOV_EDRECODE=3 and D1G=0 or refused) (Certificate or technical degree or above, or some college and not enrolled)
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
Student Loans Section
Base: All respondents
SL1 [S]
Do you currently have any student loan debt from your own education?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1=1 (Has a student loan for own education)
SL3 [S]
How much do you currently owe on student loans for your own education?
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 (Has a student loan for own education)
SL4A [S]
Are you currently required to make monthly payments on any of your student loans from your own education?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL4A=1 (Currently making payments on loans for
own education)
SL4 [S]
Approximately how much is your current required monthly payment on the student loans from your own 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.
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 (Has a student loan for own education)
SL6 [S]
Are you behind on payments or in collections for one or more of the student loans from your own education?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1=0 or refused (Does not have student loan for
own education)
SL7 [S]
Did you take out any student loans to pay for your own education that you have since repaid?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If SL1=1 or SL7=1 (Has or had student loan own education)
SL8 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
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)?
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 L0_a=1 (Married or living with a partner)
SL10A [S]
Does your spouse or partner currently have any student loans used to pay for their education?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If PPAGE>=30
SL11 [S]
Do you currently have any student loans used to pay for your child's or grandchild's education?
1. Yes
0. No
999. Do not have children or grandchildren
Base: If SL11=1 (Has a student loan for child or grandchild's education)
SL13 [S]
How much do you owe on student loans for your child or grandchild's education?
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
Retirement and Investments 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=1) (Retired)
K8B [S]
When did you retire?
1. Within the past year
2. 1 or 2 years ago
3. 3 or 4 years ago
4. 5 years ago or more
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: All respondents
K21 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Do you currently have each of the following types of savings or assets?
DOWN
a. Retirement savings account, such as a 401(k) plan through an employer, IRA, or Roth IRA
b. Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a monthly amount in retirement
c. Stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds held outside a retirement account
d. Savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit (CD)
e. Cash value in a life insurance policy
f. Business or real estate investment [Display if GH1 = 1 or 2: "(other than your primary
residence)"]
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. No
Base: All respondents
DC4 [S]
How comfortable are you with choosing and managing your investments?
1. Very comfortable
2. Mostly comfortable
3. Slightly comfortable
4. Not comfortable
Base: If D1I ne 1 (Not retired)
K5A [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, have you done each of the following with money in your retirement accounts?
DOWN
a. Borrowed money
b. Cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money
c. Reduced your regular contributions to accounts
ACROSS
1. Yes
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 L0_a=1, INSERT: or your spouse/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: All respondents
I40 [S]
Which category represents your [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: and your spouse/partner's] total combined income in the past 12 months?
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 $34,999
8. $35,000 to $39,999
9. $40,000 to $49,999
10. $50,000 to $59,999
11. $60,000 to $74,999
12. $75,000 to $99,999
13. $100,000 to $149,999
14. $150,000 to $199,999
15. $200,000 or more
Prompt once. If prompted, suppress default instructions and instead show:
We ask for information about your income because it is extremely important for our understanding of household finances in the United States. Your answer will also remain completely anonymous.
Base: All respondents
I41 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
In the past 12 months, have you [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: and/or your spouse or 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
d. Housing assistance from government program
e. Free or reduced price school lunches for your children [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 L0_a=1, INSERT: and your spouse's or 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) (Income varies occasionally or quite often from month to month)
I12 [S]
Because your income varies, have you [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: and your spouse or 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 L0_a=1, INSERT: and your spouse's or partner's] total spending was:
3. More than your income
2. The same as your income
1. Less than your income
Base: All respondents
I21 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Compared to a year ago, have each of the following [IF L0_a=1, INSERT: for you and your spouse or partner] increased, decreased, or stayed about the same?
DOWN
a. Total monthly income
b. Total monthly spending
ACROSS
3. Increased
2. About the same
1. Decreased
Inflation Section
Base: All respondents
INF4 [S]
Overall, have changes in the prices you pay compared to last year made your financial situation worse, better, or had little or no effect?
1. Much worse
2. Somewhat worse
3. Little or no effect
4. Somewhat better
5. Much better
Base: All respondents
INF3 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Did you take any of the following actions because of increases in prices over the past 12 months?
DOWN
a. Switched to cheaper products
b. Used less or stopped using products
c. Reduced savings
d. Increased borrowing
e. Delayed a major purchase
f. Worked more or got another job
g. Asked for a raise [Display if D44_a=1]
ACROSS
1. Yes
0. 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
EF5C [S]
Other than any credit card bills you may have, did you pay all your bills in full last month?
1. Yes
0. No
Base: If EF5C=0 or refused (Did not pay all bills in full last month or refused)
EF6C [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
How did you handle each of the following types of bills last month?
DOWN
a. Rent or mortgage
b. Water, gas, and electric bills
c. Phone, internet, and cable bills
d. Car payment
ACROSS
1. Paid in full
0. Made partial payment or did not pay
-9. Does not apply (do not have bill)
Base: All respondents
EF7 [S]
Based on your current financial situation, what is the largest emergency expense that you could handle right now using only your savings?
1. Under $100
2. $100 to $499
3. $500 to $999
4. $1,000 to $1,999
5. $2,000 or more
Food Security Section
Base: All respondents
FD3 [S]
In the past month, which of these statements best describes the food eaten in your household?
1. Enough of the kinds of food we wanted to eat
2. Enough, but not always the kinds of food we wanted to eat
3. Sometimes not enough to eat
4. Often not enough to eat
Base: If L0_b=1 (Adults living with children under age 18)
FD4 [S]
Please indicate whether the next statement was often true, sometimes true, or never true in the past month for the children living in your household who are under 18 years old.
"The children were not eating enough because we just couldn't afford enough food."
1. Often true
2. Sometimes true
3. Never true
Criminal Justice Section
Base: All respondents
E8 [BANKED GRID, S ACROSS]
Have you ever been:
DOWN
1. Arrested or taken into custody by the police
2. Convicted of a criminal offense but never received a prison sentence
3. Convicted of a criminal offense and received a prison sentence
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
Childhood Background Section
Base: If X2021=2 and X2022=2 (Did not participate in the survey in the past 2 years)
CH2A [S]
We are interested in a few characteristics of your parents.
Thinking about your family or primary caregivers growing up, what was the highest level of
education achieved by any parent or guardian?
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