Financial Statistics & Surveys

Here are some random, but relevant statistics that I’ve collected the past week.

$350 Billion – The estimated budget deficits that 47 states will rack up between fiscal years 2009-11. (Source: Center onBudget and Policy Priorities)

In the financial dark! A recent survey by the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Literacy showed people have trouble understanding fundamental financial concepts.
1. 53% of respondents said they did not know what the Dow Jones Industrial Average was
2. 52% couldn’t describe the advantages of a ROTH IRA
3. 43% couldn’t identify a FICO score as the most important factor in receiving a loan
85%—The percent of consumers who are concerned about the possibility of increasing inflation.
(Source: Rasmussen Reports)

48% – The percentage of Americans who think that completing their income tax forms is worse than visiting a dentist. (Source: Rasmussen Reports)