Homeowners Report Stronger Positive Financial Feelings, Survey Says

(Image courtesy of Ann H/pexels.com)

Clever Real Estate, St. Louis, released a new report finding that 50% of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck. Seventy-four percent believe they will still be living that way a year from now.

But, homeowners report being slightly more satisfied. Two-thirds (68%) of homeowners say they are satisfied with their finances while only 47% of non-homeowners say the same.

More than one quarter–27%–of respondents describe themselves as overspenders, but only 49% of those who describe themselves that way own a home, compared with 62% who don’t overspend.

Thirty-nine percent of non-homeowners point to housing costs as impacting their money troubles, compared with 22% of homeowners. They’re also twice as likely to lack an emergency fund, at 61% for non-homeowners compared with 30% of homeowners.

Forty-four percent of respondents report having missed a bill because of overspending on nonessentials. Half report having had to delay major life milestones–10% report having put off buying a home, and 19% said they have delayed saving for retirement.

The vast majority (88%) of Americans admit to making impulse purchases, with 59% admitting they have knowingly made a purchase they couldn’t afford. And the majority, 68% (and 97% of self-reported overspenders) have regrets about their spending habits.