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Adults in the 54 and older age group reported having the least amount in savings
ISELIN, N.J. (March 27, 2023) - Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, today released results from its 2023 Consumer Spending Survey, which polled 1,000 adults living in the U.S. to determine how consumers are adjusting their personal spending, saving and travel habits.
Findings of Provident’s recent survey revealed that 73% of Americans are cutting back on non-essential purchases and travel as the cost of essentials like groceries, utilities, household expenses and rent remain at an all-time high.
Despite efforts to cut back and save (11% of those polled eliminated all non-essential purchases), 78% have either reduced contributions or stopped contributing completely to their savings/retirement account(s).
“Many individuals in the U.S. have been impacted by inflation, and while we’ve seen they are making conscious efforts to spend less, it’s important for bankers to have conversations with their customers on how they can best help them to manage their finances during these challenging economic times,” said Anthony Labozzetta, President & CEO, Provident Bank.
The results of this survey show a disturbing trend in the cost of living for the average American. An earlier survey conducted by Provident in June of 2022 exhibited significant expense, with 53% of respondents reporting spending between $100-500 or more per month on groceries — that percentage has now risen to 63%.
The most commonly cited spending adjustments included canceling subscriptions and entertainment streaming services and reducing the frequency of dining out and/or takeout purchases. Survey respondents also reported cutting back on drinking alcohol, while others quit smoking entirely. Additionally, those polled said that buying generic over name-brand products and turning the thermostat down were ways to offset price increases due to inflation.
Travel adjustments — whether routine or vacation — included rescheduling or cancelling vacation plans, limiting air travel and utilizing public transportation.
Despite rising costs, there is optimism looking forward. Fifty-seven percent believe their personal finances will improve in the next 12 months.
Additional Survey Findings
About Provident Bank
Provident Bank, a community-oriented financial institution offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $13.80 billion as of December 31, 2022. With $10.60 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Nassau and Queens Counties in New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. For more information about Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank).
Media Contact:
Keith Buscio
FVP/Director, Public Relations & Communication
Provident Bank
732-590-9407