Money Read Time: 2 min

U.S. Personal Savings Rate

The U.S. personal saving rate stood at 3.4 percent at the end of 2022, down from the 7.5 rate at the end of 2021.The personal saving rate is the federal government's estimate of what percent of their incomes U.S. households are saving. But market watchers and economists are mixed on what can be learned from swings in the saving rate.1

Why Economists Struggle

They struggle with the personal saving rate because it's a derivative number – that is, it's not measured directly. Instead, the Bureau of Economic Analysis derives the saving rate from other estimates. Here's how it's calculated:2

  1. The Bureau of Economic Analysis subtracts payroll and income taxes from personal income to get disposable personal income.
  2. The Bureau then subtracts its estimate of personal outlays, which include expenditures, interest payments, and payments, from disposable personal income to get an estimate of personal savings.
  3. The personal saving rate is calculated by dividing personal income by personal savings.

As currently structured, the U.S. Personal Saving Rate does not include capital gains from the sale of land or financial assets in its estimate of personal income. This effectively excludes capital gains – an important source of income for some.

Gaining Insight

Gaining a bit of insight into a popular economic indicator can help you better understand trends as they are discussed in newspapers and websites. However, don't let your long-term savings program be influenced by a national number.

1. StLouisFed.org, 2023
2. BEA.gov, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Share |
 

Related Content

The Rule of 72

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

Navigating Retirement Pitfalls

Navigating Retirement Pitfalls

Why are they made again and again? Making sense of these errors in judgement.

A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit

A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit

Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Understanding the Basics of Medigap Policies

Important as it is, Medicare does not cover the full range of health-care expenses you may experience in your golden years.

Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know

Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

View all articles

Tax Freedom Day

Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.

Inflation & Retirement

Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

View all calculators

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

View all presentations

Estate Management 101

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

To Buy or Not to Buy

The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.

The Cost of Procrastination

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

View all videos