July 19, 2006
Public Recognizes Debt as a Fast
Growing Problem in U.S.
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Page 2 |
Public Opinion Strategies
Survey Specifications
This presentation represents the views of 1,000 adults, ages 18 and over.
The survey was conducted between April 13 and 20, 2006 and carries a
margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Page 3 |
Public Opinion Strategies
The public recognizes the seriousness of the debt problem
47
5
0
20
40
60
80
100
Very serious problem
Somewhat serious problem
Not a problem at all
Not too serious problem
How would you describe the issue of household debt on things like credit cards, car loans, home mortgages and
payday loans in this country – a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, not too serious a problem,
or not a problem at all?
82
15
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Page 4 |
Public Opinion Strategies
86
2
9
0
20
40
60
80
100
Gone up
Gone down
Stayed about the same
The public believes the problem is getting worse
Over the past five years, do you believe the number of Americans having trouble with household debt on things
like credit cards, car loans, pay-day loans and home mortgage loans has gone up, gone down or stayed about
the same?
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Page 5 |
Public Opinion Strategies
19
79
0
20
40
60
80
100
Lower income
Middle class
Debt is a middle class problem
Do you believe the problem of rising household debt in this country is primarily a problem for lower income
families or do you believe the problem of debt is also a problem for middle class families, say, those earning
around $50,000 a year?
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Page 6 |
Public Opinion Strategies
8
16
Having to file for bankruptcy
9
23
Falling deep into debt from credit card payments
10
23
Falling behind on your mortgage and losing your home
10
24
Falling deep into debt from paying high interest rates on your mortgage
12
27
Having to take on a lot of debt to pay for college
11
33
Being hurt or killed in a major terrorist attack, similar to September 11th
11
35
B