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NFCS Using the Data

Using the NFCS Data

The FINRA Foundation encourages researchers, media, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore the NFCS datasets. NFCS data files are available in .dta, .csv and .sav file formats. Note that datasets in .dta and .sav format have variable descriptions and value labels within the datasets for ease of use. All dataset downloads include a PDF data dictionary with additional coding information, survey questionnaire, and methodological information including sampling and data collection practices . The methodological documents and questionnaires can also be separately accessed.

Components of the NFCS

The NFCS State-by-State Survey

The State-by-State NFCS examines the financial experiences, attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of a large, diverse representative sample of U.S. adults. National and state-level findings are drawn from online surveys of over 25,000 American adults, with 500 respondents in each of the 50 states (and Puerto Rico in the 2021 NFCS). Findings from the survey are weighted to be representative of Census distributions according to the American Community Survey. National figures are weighted to be representative of the national population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, education, and Census Division. State figures are weighted to be representative of each state in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, and education.

NFCS State-by-State Survey reports, datasets, questionnaires, and methodological documents are available for 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021. A tracking data that merges State-by-State survey data from 2009-2021 is also available for download. The 2021 NFCS also includes two supplemental datasets: Puerto Rico Sample and Asian American Oversample.
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The NFCS Investor Survey

The NFCS Investor Survey takes a closer look at the investing decisions of adults in the U.S. who own investments outside of retirement accounts. The survey explores the behaviors, attitudes, perceptions, knowledge, and influences of a subsample of NFCS respondents who indicated on the State-by-State Survey that they had a taxable investment account. The Investor Survey can be appended to the State-by-State Survey for deeper analysis of the financial capabilities of U.S investors.

NFCS Investor Survey reports, datasets, questionnaires, and methodological documents are currently available for 2015, 2018 and 2021.
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Explore the 2021 NFCS Through Interactive Web Visualizations

Delve into the 2021 NFCS highlights. Learn more >>

See how financial capability varies by U.S. state. Read more >>

Learn more about investors. Explore the data >>


Download the 2021 NFCS Report

Download PDF >>


Download the 2021 NFCS Investor Report

Download PDF >>


Using the NFCS: Tutorials

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Learn how the NFCS can be used to advance your research and teaching.

Watch tutorial videos >>


Financial Capability Insights: What the NFCS Reveals

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Read a series of issue briefs based on the NFCS exploring different aspects of financial capability and how these vary across key populations in the U.S.

Learn more >>


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