Flyers (Quarterly Interview)

The Consumer Expenditures Quarterly

Issued September 2005

FLD/05-10284

What is this all about?
Every month on the radio, TV, and in newspapers you hear about the inflation rate and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Did you ever wonder how these important economic statistics are created? Information from you and others around the
country provides data for the CPI. The Consumer Expenditures Survey is used to regularly update the CPI and the
inflation rate.
Sounds great, but why is this important to me?
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for inflation every year by using the CPI. Millions of American workers
and retirees rely on those adjustments for their day-to-day expenses. Social Security payments are increased annually
based on our data. The interest rates on many mortgages and consumer loans are adjusted based on the inflation rate
and CPI.
The information we gather is widely used by policymakers and researchers to study the impact of price increases and
policy changes. For example, what percent of your paycheck or retirement check is spent on housing, on food, on
medicine, on gasoline? Has this amount changed over the years?
OK, I agree the study is important, but I am worried about giving out personal information...
Disclosing U.S. Census Bureau information collected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code is a felony. The penalty for wrongful
disclosure by a Census Bureau employee is up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. We take data
confidentiality very seriously. The answers you provide are added to answers from all around the country and used for
statistical purposes only. What the people at your address buy is the most important information collected. If you
wish, we do not have to collect your name or birthday. If you are uncomfortable answering any specific question, just
let us know and we will skip the question.
Still, I think it would be better if my neighbors participated; they buy more and are more normal...
Your address was randomly selected from among all addresses in the United States. We did not select you by name.
The information we collect needs to represent all types of households with all types of buying habits. If people who
made just one or two purchases during the month did not answer the questions, important decisions would be based
on incorrect data that assumes all Americans make large numbers of purchases.
Even so, I am really busy and do not have the time to complete an expenditure interview...
People who are very busy, who have two jobs, or many personal responsibilities often spend money on items that other
households do not buy. The expenditures of busy people need to be included in this study to assure the data reflect the
country as a whole. Our field representatives will accommodate your schedule. They are available to interview you
early in the morning, late in the evening, on weekends, daytime hours, or just about any time that meets your needs.
On second thought, this survey is a lot of fun and a great learning experience...
How often do you sit down and look at all your expenses over the course of a year? It is interesting to see how all the
little things add up. Some households may have a teenage household member serve as the expense reporter. Teenagers
need to learn about household expenses before they are out on their own. This is a great way to learn. Scouts and
school kids may be able to earn a badge or complete a community service honor.
It feels good to know I have served my country in some way...
Be sure to ask your field representative for a Public Service Commendation. You are doing a great service to your
country and the U.S. Census Bureau by participating in this important national survey.

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U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU