Studies and Data Analysis
This data hub brings together NerdWallet’s studies and unique analyses of proprietary and third party data across personal finance and economic topics. Our team of writers, experts and analysts design nationally representative surveys and robust methodologies to gain insight into household finances. These resources are available for use by traditional and online media, influencers and consumers.
In the spotlight
2024 Holiday Spending Report
It's our annual holiday spending report, and senior writer Erin El Issa breaks down related sentiment and how much people are planning to spend on gifts and travel.
The data indicated:
28% of Americans who used credit cards to pay for holiday gifts last year still haven’t paid off their balances. And, 28% of 2023 holiday travelers who put flights and hotel stays on a credit card still haven’t paid off the balances.
55% of 2024 holiday shoppers (55%) say the costs associated with holiday spending stress them out.
10% of holiday shoppers say they’ll likely need to use some of their emergency savings to buy holiday gifts this year and 9% say they’ll prioritize gift buying over paying some of their regular bills
“While celebrating the season is a top priority for many Americans, going overboard can cause stress for months afterward, so it’s worth planning ahead to reduce costs where possible,” says Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet.
Read the report and see more of the data, here.
The latest
Recent economic commentary
Elizabeth Renter, Senior Economist
"People remain sensitive to a high inflation period for months and even years after it subsides. That’s largely because the prices rarely come back down. That said, the further we get from high inflation, the better able we are to absorb these higher prices, and that sticker shock fades. Though today’s overall inflation rate was higher than last month’s, it does not indicate a resurgence."
Nov. 13, 2024
Elizabeth Renter is available for media interviews, discussing economic and data topics. Contact [email protected].
The latest columns from Elizabeth Renter
Trending chart
Senior economist Elizabeth Renter recently examined spending data across generations. Read about it here.
Studies and data resources by topic
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Our standards
All of our data projects go through a rigorous process before publication. During the planning stage, editors, data writers and analysts, subject matter experts and communications specialists share perspectives and ask tough questions of all potential ideas. We use data from only the most reputable sources, and our methodologies and calculations are all checked and rechecked for sound rationale and accuracy. Our data-driven work also goes through a minimum of three rounds of editing before publication.
Our nationally representative surveys are conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll. We've been working with The Harris Poll since 2014 to field statistically sound and robust surveys weighted to be representative within age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, household income, education, employment, marital status and size of household where necessary to align with their actual proportions in the population.
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For questions, including requests for data or interviews with our analyst and experts, please contact [email protected].
