60% Of Americans Say the Pandemic Has Made Them Realize How Little They Have Saved
28 Luglio 2021 - 1:00PM
Business Wire
Three-in-four Americans report saving as much
as or more than they did last year, 40% say it’s because they have
a better understanding of how to set up a budget
The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping Americans’
perceptions of their pre-pandemic financial habits, according to a
new survey from Discover. Sixty percent of Americans say the
pandemic made them realize just how little savings they have, and
71% say it made them want to consider saving more than they had
previously.
Most Americans (75%) report that they are saving either the same
amount or more in 2021 than they did in 2020. Almost half of those
who are saving (47%) are putting away less than $200 a month. Gen Z
savers are saving the least, with 55% reporting savings under $200
a month, followed by 49% of Gen X and 47% of millennials.
“Though the past year has been difficult financially for many
Americans, it is encouraging to see people prioritizing putting
away money where they can and taking small steps to enhance
financial futures through continued savings, even if the total
amount seems low,” said Ram Subramanian, vice president of Deposits
at Discover. “Especially in difficult economic times, this can be a
significant start toward an emergency fund, down payment or nest
egg for retirement. If consumers understand their financial
situation and know how to best leverage savings vehicles, it can go
a long way in fully maximizing what they’re putting away.”
Americans say financial literacy is helping them save more,
while non-savers don’t believe they make enough
For those who are saving more in 2021, 40% say it’s because they
have a better understanding of how to set up a budget, and 34% say
they are spending less as a result of pandemic limitations.
Additionally, 22% are shoring up their savings in response to
financial instability amid the pandemic.
Savings habits vary by generation, yet over half of Gen Z and
millennials credit an increased awareness of how to budget as the
reason they’re saving more than they did a year ago (54% and 51%
respectively). These generations are also the most likely to have
sought resources to better understand how to budget and save amid
the pandemic. Sixty-eight percent of Gen Z and 71% of millennials
reported doing so.
Just 9% of Americans say they are not saving at all. When asked
the reasons why they aren’t saving, 56% said it’s because they
don’t make enough money to save, while 13% said they aren’t sure
why they don’t currently save.
Discover’s survey found that increased wages would be the most
compelling reason to put aside more money within the next six
months. Further, 21% of Americans not saving said a one-time
increase in income, like a stimulus check, would increase their
likelihood of saving.
About the Survey
The national survey of 1,995 U.S. consumers ages 18 and up was
commissioned by Discover and conducted by Dynata (formerly Research
Now/SSI), an independent survey research firm, between February 12
and February 19, 2021. The maximum margin of sampling error was
+/-3 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.
Generations are defined as: Generation Z, born after 1997 (ages
18-24); millennials, born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 25-40);
Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980 (ages 41-56); Baby
Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 (ages 57-75); and Silent
Generation, born between 1928 and 1945 (ages 76-93).
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and
payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in
U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company
has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States.
The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards
pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home
loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit
through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global
Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant
and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading
ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global
payments network with acceptance around the world. For more
information, visit www.discover.com/company.
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Sarah Grage Silberman 224-405-6029
sarahgragesilberman@discover.com @Discover_News
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