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
Data: Americans Spending Less Time, More Money on Shopping
Published on August 1, 2024, Senior Economist Elizabeth Renter examined data from the annual American Time Use Survey and found that although we're shopping less often, we're buying more.
"One way of looking at this, in terms of efficiency, is that we’re getting better at shopping — we can do what we need to in less time, on a fewer number of days. However, efficiency implies we’re getting greater returns on our efforts. In this case, it may only be a little time back, because we’re actually buying more."
The data indicated:
From 2003 to 2023, the share of people shopping on any given day fell from about 46% to just under 40%.
The typical amount of time spent shopping on a given day decreased by six minutes, during the same period.
Spending on online shopping has grown from about $17 billion to $99 billion since 2003, after adjusting for inflation.
"It’s one thing to shop within your means for the things you need, and another to be hit with pangs of guilt when the packages pile up outside your door. If you find you’re buying more stuff than you’d like, introducing speed bumps to the otherwise seamless process could help."
Read the report, including tips to rein in online impulse buys, from Elizabeth Renter, here.
The latest
Recent economic commentary
Elizabeth Renter, Senior Economist
"The relief of lower inflation doesn’t feel the same as the relief of lower prices. However, inflation in food and fuel — two categories we interact with on a very regular basis — has remained low enough for several months that most consumers have likely taken note. Markups in the grocery store are far less noticeable, if they’re happening at all. "
Aug. 14, 2024
Elizabeth Renter is available for media interviews, discussing economic and data topics. Contact [email protected].
The latest columns from Elizabeth Renter
Trending chart
A recent article from Joe Yerardi examined consumer sentiment on dynamic pricing, and why misunderstanding the concept could end up costing you. 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].
