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Shedding Light on Our Economic and Financial Lives
Article

Shedding Light on Our Economic and Financial Lives



Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Eye Opening
  • Overview

Recommendation

Why has Americans’ geographic mobility declined over the last few decades? Do unfavorable economic conditions, or even the perception of a bad economy, play a part in increased opioid use? Does the growing prevalence of part-time work and irregular job schedules decrease either the preference or opportunity for full-time employment? These are just some of the questions that a 2017 Federal Reserve survey of adults in the United States sought to answer. Some of its findings may surprise you. getAbstract recommends this thought-provoking assessment to anyone looking for a pulse check on the American economy.

Take-Aways

  • The US Federal Reserve’s annual Survey of Household Economics and Decision Making takes a snapshot of Americans’ jobs, wages, spending, education, indebtedness and savings. 
  • The 2017 report highlights three prominent issues: “the opioid epidemic, irregular work schedules and geographic mobility.”
  • The survey reveals that some 20% of Americans report personal experiences with opioid users and that these respondents tend to express less favorable assessments about the economy than those without such exposure. 

About the Authors

Jeff Larrimore et al. are professionals with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.