This page tracks the U.S. Personal Savings Rate, which measures the percentage of disposable personal income that households save rather than spend. It reflects consumer financial health, confidence, and the ability to withstand economic shocks.
The savings rate tends to rise during recessions (as households become cautious) and fall during expansions (as spending increases).
What This Chart Shows
- Long‑term trends in household saving behavior
- Sharp spikes during economic crises (2008, 2020)
- Declines during strong economic expansions
- How inflation, interest rates, and wages influence saving patterns
- The relationship between savings, consumption, and economic growth
Key Takeaways
- The savings rate is a key indicator of household financial resilience
- High savings may signal caution or economic stress
- Low savings can reflect confidence but also vulnerability
- The PSR helps explain trends in consumer spending and credit usage
- Useful when paired with Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment, and CPI
Data Source
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)