Two reports out this week reveal the importance that an increasing proportion of Americans are putting on their finances
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Two reports out this week reveal the importance that an increasing proportion of Americans are putting on their finances.
First, a report from Gallup which says that financially-stressed Americans who were spending and saving in roughly equal measures before the Great Recession, are now putting more value on saving.
In 2005-6, 50% of financially-stressed respondents said they enjoyed spending more, in 2012-14 that had fallen to 35% and is unchanged for 2015-17. Meanwhile, over the 2005-2017 period those who said they enjoyed saving more has increased from 46% to 63%.
Financially stressed does not necessarily mean ‘lowest income’ as the Gallup data shows that over the past 3 years, a third of those earning $75,000 or more worry about maintaining their standard of living with 10% saying they don’t have enough money to live comfortably.
A separate poll by Bankrate.com also reveals good news regarding American attitudes to their credit rating.
The survey shows that 42% would make dating choices based on a potential partner’s credit score. For 13% that would be a major impact, for 29% it would be minor.
"It's probably not a great idea to ask for someone's financial history on the first date," said Mike Cetera, credit card analyst at Bankrate.com. "However, it's better to know if a potential partner has a history of bad financial decisions before the relationship goes too far, especially if you plan on making large purchases together or sharing bank accounts."
Those in the 27-34 age group are most likely to consider a credit score, perhaps mindful of the potential to settle down and apply for a mortgage, while younger millennials are less likely to be concerned.
First, a report from Gallup which says that financially-stressed Americans who were spending and saving in roughly equal measures before the Great Recession, are now putting more value on saving.
In 2005-6, 50% of financially-stressed respondents said they enjoyed spending more, in 2012-14 that had fallen to 35% and is unchanged for 2015-17. Meanwhile, over the 2005-2017 period those who said they enjoyed saving more has increased from 46% to 63%.
Financially stressed does not necessarily mean ‘lowest income’ as the Gallup data shows that over the past 3 years, a third of those earning $75,000 or more worry about maintaining their standard of living with 10% saying they don’t have enough money to live comfortably.
A separate poll by Bankrate.com also reveals good news regarding American attitudes to their credit rating.
The survey shows that 42% would make dating choices based on a potential partner’s credit score. For 13% that would be a major impact, for 29% it would be minor.
"It's probably not a great idea to ask for someone's financial history on the first date," said Mike Cetera, credit card analyst at Bankrate.com. "However, it's better to know if a potential partner has a history of bad financial decisions before the relationship goes too far, especially if you plan on making large purchases together or sharing bank accounts."
Those in the 27-34 age group are most likely to consider a credit score, perhaps mindful of the potential to settle down and apply for a mortgage, while younger millennials are less likely to be concerned.