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 Summer Travel Report
Published on March 26, 2024, we examined Americans' summer travel plans:
“Millions of Americans are hitting the road this summer, with many opting to drive to their summer destinations, which may be a more affordable option than flying. But the high cost of travel due to inflation is still holding some back.”
- Sally French, NerdWallet travel expert
Our nationally-representative survey found:
1 in 5 summer travelers (20%) say they’ll use a credit card to pay for their travel expenses, but won’t pay off the balance within the first billing statement.
91% of summer travelers are taking action to save money on their travel expenses, like driving instead of flying to their destination (42%). This is up since 2023 when 35% of summer travelers said this.
More than 1 in 5 (22%) Americans who say they aren't taking a summer vacation requiring a flight or hotel this year say it’s because inflation has made travel too expensive.
12% of Americans who are spending at least one night away from home this summer say they’ll travel for a concert, 8% for a wedding and 4% for a bachelor or bachelorette party.
Read the report from Erin El Issa here.
The latest
Recent economic commentary
Elizabeth Renter, senior writer and data analyst
"Price growth continues to slow, slowly. It’s a little like watching a kid do a long-distance run. From the unsustainable all-out sprint we witnessed peaking in mid-2022, to the sputtering tempos we’re witnessing now. Occasionally, there’s a brief quickening, but overall we’re losing steam. Still, this kid has more staying power than anticipated."
Mar. 29, 2024
Elizabeth Renter is available for media interviews, discussing economic and data topics. Contact [email protected].
The latest data columns from Elizabeth Renter
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An April survey revealed financial scams may be more common (and more successful) than you think. Read about it here.
Studies and data resources by topic
Credit cards
Money
Banking
Investing
Mortgages
Travel
Loans
Insurance
Small and medium-sized businesses
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.
Media inquiries
For questions, including requests for data or interviews with our analyst and experts, please contact [email protected].
