Insights + Resources

An Unprecedented Rush to Cash

Jul 3, 2020

As Americans adjust their spending habits in a rapidly changing economy, they are building cash reserves at an unprecedented rate.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported on May 29th that the personal savings rate hit a historic 33% in April. To put that into perspective, it’s the highest number since the Bureau started tracking personal savings in the 1960s.1

Economists are struggling with the question, “When will consumers be confident enough to start spending some of that cash stockpile?”

Optimists say the stockpile was due to “forced savings.” Staying home has led to less spending overall, on everything from clothes to commutes. As soon as restrictions loosen, that money could flow back into the economy.

On the other hand, pessimists may say that until virus fears drop and the unemployment rate improves, consumers will continue to conserve cash as a response to tremendous economic uncertainty.

We believe there is some merit in both schools of thought. We will be watching the personal savings rate alongside other economic indicators to see what, if any, long-term trends emerge.

If you’d like to discuss your personal savings rate, please give us a call. At Epic Capital, we’d welcome the chance to hear about any changes you have made in recent months and how to adjust your plan for the future.

Tags: , , ,

More Insights

May 17, 2024

Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress? Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns, year after year. If you sometimes succumb to these financial tendencies, now is as good a time as any to alter your behavior.

May 15, 2024

You don’t want to pay more in federal income tax than you have to. With that in mind, here are five things to consider when it comes to keeping more of your income.

May 13, 2024

There’s a subjective uncertainty associated with financial wellness. Are you financially fit? And if so, how fit are you? While there is no clearly defined threshold for answering affirmatively, much less grading your level of fitness, there are baseline elements associated with financial fitness. To make sure that you’re on the right track, develop a … Continue reading “Basics of Financial Fitness”

May 10, 2024

After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.” There is some merit to this old adage because the S&P 500’s … Continue reading “Market Update – Navigating May’s Stock Market Outlook”

May 8, 2024

Families are one of the great joys in life, and part of the love you show to your family is making sure that their basic needs are met. While that’s only to be expected from birth through the high school years, many households are helping their adult children well into their twenties and beyond at … Continue reading “Retirement and Adult Children”

Insights + Resources >