Americans Plan to Upgrade Homes, Wheels and Wardrobes
By: Robert Diamond Jan. 28, 2014
Nearly half (48%) of Americans are feeling confident about their finances going into the New Year. That's up from 32% in 2010, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. Still, the lessons of the recession have not been forgotten. Nearly a quarter of consumers (24% vs. 21% in 2013) still feel "frugal" and this year, those who save are planning to increase their savings by 14% over last year.
View/download the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker.
"Smart spending is still the name of the game in 2014," said David Rabkin, SVP U.S. Consumer Lending Products, American Express. "The lessons of the recession are top of mind for Americans, who say they will keep saving and setting financial goals. That said, across income groups, Americans are optimistic and ready to splurge a little this year, planning leisure trips, renovating their homes and opening their wallets for little things, like a night on the town or a new outfit."
Saving Tops America's Resolution List - Besting Dieting and Exercise
A surprising 62% said they kept their resolutions last year, with a significant increase (45%) in the number of Americans setting resolutions for 2014. Money matters are top of mind, and saving is the #1 resolution for 2014:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||
| Save more money | 54% | 33% | ||||
| Eat healthy/diet | 53% | 40% | ||||
| Exercise more | 53% | 39% | ||||
| Lose weight | 46% | 38% | ||||
| Set a budget/spend within budget | 38% | 23% | ||||
| Quit smoking | 17% | 16% | ||||
SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE
Videos