Facts and Figures

Because Tennesseans spend too much and save too little, many will not have enough money to live securely over their lifespans.

• During three of the past five years, Tennessee has led the nation in personal bankruptcy. (American Bankruptcy Intstitute)
• U.S. consumers owe $565 billion on credit cards – more than $7,000 for each household that uses revolving credit. (Federal Reserve Board)
• Despite the economic boom of the 1990s, one-half of American households have accumulated less than $1,000 in net financial assets and $35,000 in net wealth. (Consumer Federation of America and Primerica)
• The typical household holds consumer debt that totals well over one-half their gross financial assets. (Joseph M. Anderson, Capital Research Associates)
• Almost one out of ten college students has credit card debt in excess of $7,000.(Nellie Mae)
• The percentage of retirement-age Tennesseans is expected to almost double over the next 30 years. In addition, they are expected to live 20 years after retirement, in contrast to 15 years after retirement in 1940. (Social Security Administration)
• More than half of all workers have never tried to figure out how much money they will need for retirement.(Facts on Saving and Investing, Campaign FAQs)
• Elder financial fraud is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. Thirty percent of those crimes are committed by children against their elderly parents. (University of Florida)
• Home ownership remains the primary way that Americans build wealth. (Extension Financial Security in Later Life National Initiative)