CreditNinja Survey: 80% Of Americans Will Save Before Spending to Pandemic-Proof Their Finances
North America Wealthtech

CreditNinja Survey Finds 80% Of Americans Will Save Before Spending to Pandemic-Proof Their Finances

A Consumer Credit report found that credit card debt in the US has plummeted since the start of the pandemic, which begs the question: are American citizens proactively attempting to pandemic-proof their finances during this period of economic uncertainty? CreditNinja, financial support and loan resource provider, conducted a survey of 3,000 Americans to find out how their saving habits have changed during the pandemic due to economic uncertainty.

CreditNinja’s survey found that the average American has saved $328.99 each month since the start of the pandemic (March 1st 2020). Considering there have been fewer opportunities to leave the home due to social distancing, it is likely people are saving on costs such as gas, commuting and eating out.

Broken down across the US, it was found the average Alaskan saved the most since the start of the pandemic at $654.82. Comparatively, Louisianans saved the least at $149.83 each.

With people having to adjust to a different sense of normal during these unprecedented times, many have adapted their everyday habits in order to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19. The survey found that over 1 in 5 (23 per cent) Americans say they are avoiding using cash these days due to the risk of the virus.

The research also found that, with many economists unable to agree how long the recession will last, 86 per cent of Americans say they intend on continuing to save a portion of their available income through to the end of the year as a precaution. This could mean saving on small costs, such as cooking rather than ordering takeout, having your morning coffee at home instead of buying, walking to the grocery store to save on fuel, or simply having a night in instead of a night out.

Due to many workers having lost their source of income during the pandemic and having to put a pause on monthly repayments, it is understandable why 22 per cent of people surveyed say they are concerned their credit score will be affected this year. Having a poor credit score can lead to numerous future financial challenges, such as not being able to qualify for credit cards or bank loans.

Opening accounts with utility companies, such as water, internet and cable can also be trickier with a lower credit score and may require the payment of a deposit or letter of guarantee, in case you fall behind on payments.

Given the current state of the economy, CreditNinja’s research revealed that 4 in 5 Americans admit they are more likely now to put available money away for a rainy day fund instead of spending it immediately. Lastly, the survey found that 86 per cent of respondents with savings say they would be even more nervous about their personal finances if they had no rainy-day fund to fall back on.

Author

  • Francis is a journalist and our lead LatAm correspondent, with a BA in Classical Civilization, he has a specialist interest in North and South America.

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