Financial Surveys & Statistics

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

28% – The percentage of U.S. holiday shoppers whose gift-buying decisions have been influenced by social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. (Source: ComScore Inc.)

$11.8 Billion – Amount of life insurance policies sold by seniors as life settlements in 2009, more than double the amount of transactions in 2007. (Source: Life Insurance Settlement Association)

$3.9 Million – The record number of U.S. foreclosure filings expected this year, surpassing 2008’s record total of 3.2 million. (Source: RealtyTrac Inc.)

84% – Eighty-four percent of seniors say they feel life insurance’s cost is relatively minimal, compared to other budgetary items. (Source: Prudential Life)

71% – Seventy-one percent of seniors believe their financial situation will be negatively impacted next year, without an increase to their Social Security benefits. (Source: Senior Market Advisors Guide)

$8.5 Billion – Amount the Energy Department loaned to car companies, including Ford and Nissan, to build more efficient vehicles. (Source: U.S. Energy Department)