Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now

With prices falling and incomes rising, consumers get a break in time for Christmas

Dec 22, 2023
The PCE report for November shows that prices fell slightly and disposable personal income rose, along with the savings rate.
Consumers have been sullen about the economy despite the improvement in inflation, but that might be changing.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Consumers spent more in January, but also saved more. What gives?

Feb 24, 2023
A boost in disposable income fueled spending and saving. Data signals a healthy outlook, but lower-income people are draining reserves.
ArLawKa AungTun/Getty Images

Household debt up 4% in the first quarter

Jun 12, 2020
About 1 in 6 households reports having more debt now than before the COVID-19 crisis.
David McNew/Getty Images

The savings rate is at its lowest point since the recession

Jan 29, 2018
The lack of personal income savings is a reminder that all this growth economic growth could slow down pretty quickly.

Growing savings from the ground up, locally

Jul 24, 2013
We're not too good at saving these days. Americans have a savings rate of about 3 percent. How can local governments work to grow that number?

Keep on saving

Mar 5, 2012
The personal savings rate seems to have moved up to the 4 percent to 5 percent range, despite savers making 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent on their money. We're back to the range that held for much of the 1990s. Considering how harsh the last couple of years have been on so many people -- from young adults seeking their first full-time job to retirees watching their pension values slide -- it's doubtful that the savings habit will erode. Memories aren't that short.

For public good, not for profit.