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2019 Tax Study - NerdWallet Advertiser Disclosure <h4>NerdWallet 2019 Tax Study Part I</h4> <h2>Americans Enter Tax Season Uninformed About Law s Changes</h2> By Elizabeth Renter<br /> January 28, 2019 To read part two of this study, click here. One year after a major tax bill was signed into law, many Americans are still unclear about whether or how the changes could affect them personally.
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2019 Tax Study - NerdWallet Advertiser Disclosure

NerdWallet 2019 Tax Study Part I

Americans Enter Tax Season Uninformed About Law s Changes

By Elizabeth Renter
January 28, 2019 To read part two of this study, click here. One year after a major tax bill was signed into law, many Americans are still unclear about whether or how the changes could affect them personally.
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Henry Schmidt 3 minutes ago
This uncertainty comes despite many changes having already been implemented. Sentiment about the Tax...
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Henry Schmidt 3 minutes ago
“The new law most likely affected everyone’s tax situation — it changed tax brackets, standard...
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This uncertainty comes despite many changes having already been implemented. Sentiment about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — which ushered in the most significant changes in the federal tax code in more than 30 years — is all over the map, according to a series of surveys commissioned by NerdWallet and conducted online by The Harris Poll. We first asked taxpayers about the law shortly after it was signed in December 2017, for the 2018 Tax Study, and checked in again in December 2018.
Julia Zhang Member
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This uncertainty comes despite many changes having already been implemented. Sentiment about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — which ushered in the most significant changes in the federal tax code in more than 30 years — is all over the map, according to a series of surveys commissioned by NerdWallet and conducted online by The Harris Poll. We first asked taxpayers about the law shortly after it was signed in December 2017, for the 2018 Tax Study, and checked in again in December 2018.
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James Smith 1 minutes ago
“The new law most likely affected everyone’s tax situation — it changed tax brackets, standard...
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“The new law most likely affected everyone’s tax situation — it changed tax brackets, standard deductions, the child tax credit and much more,” says NerdWallet tax specialist Andrea Coombes. “It’s important for people to understand the implications, especially now, as they get their paperwork in order so they can file their taxes on time.” In Part I of our 2019 Tax Study, we look at taxpayer knowledge and sentiment regarding the year-old tax law and the changes taxpayers are experiencing or anticipating. Here’s some of what we found: <h2>Key findings</h2> Americans are largely uninformed about tax changes.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 15 minutes ago
“The new law most likely affected everyone’s tax situation — it changed tax brackets, standard deductions, the child tax credit and much more,” says NerdWallet tax specialist Andrea Coombes. “It’s important for people to understand the implications, especially now, as they get their paperwork in order so they can file their taxes on time.” In Part I of our 2019 Tax Study, we look at taxpayer knowledge and sentiment regarding the year-old tax law and the changes taxpayers are experiencing or anticipating. Here’s some of what we found:

Key findings

Americans are largely uninformed about tax changes.
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Elijah Patel 2 minutes ago
As taxpayers await their W-2 statements for tax year 2018, more than one-quarter of Americans (28%) ...
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Henry Schmidt 9 minutes ago
More Americans say the tax law is good for the short-term U.S. economy (45%) versus bad (26%). But f...
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As taxpayers await their W-2 statements for tax year 2018, more than one-quarter of Americans (28%) are unsure of what exactly changed with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and about half (48%) don’t understand how it affects their tax bracket. Economic outlook is mixed.
Harper Kim Member
access_time 12 minutes ago
As taxpayers await their W-2 statements for tax year 2018, more than one-quarter of Americans (28%) are unsure of what exactly changed with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and about half (48%) don’t understand how it affects their tax bracket. Economic outlook is mixed.
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More Americans say the tax law is good for the short-term U.S. economy (45%) versus bad (26%). But for the long-term economy, more Americans say the law is bad (43%) versus good (28%).
Audrey Mueller Member
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More Americans say the tax law is good for the short-term U.S. economy (45%) versus bad (26%). But for the long-term economy, more Americans say the law is bad (43%) versus good (28%).
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Elijah Patel 9 minutes ago
Three in 10 (30%) aren’t sure either way. Optimism is highest among Republicans....
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Emma Wilson 4 minutes ago
About half (51%) of Republicans say the tax law is good for both the short- and long-term U.S. econo...
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Three in 10 (30%) aren’t sure either way. Optimism is highest among Republicans.
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Three in 10 (30%) aren’t sure either way. Optimism is highest among Republicans.
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About half (51%) of Republicans say the tax law is good for both the short- and long-term U.S. econo...
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Despite employers beginning to withhold less in taxes under the new law, just 31% of Americans who r...
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About half (51%) of Republicans say the tax law is good for both the short- and long-term U.S. economy, versus 21% of independents and 5% of Democrats. Some may have missed a bump in their paychecks.
Ethan Thomas Member
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About half (51%) of Republicans say the tax law is good for both the short- and long-term U.S. economy, versus 21% of independents and 5% of Democrats. Some may have missed a bump in their paychecks.
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Jack Thompson 31 minutes ago
Despite employers beginning to withhold less in taxes under the new law, just 31% of Americans who r...
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Madison Singh 34 minutes ago
One-third cite “no change” in their financial situation. About one-third (34%) say the new tax l...
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Despite employers beginning to withhold less in taxes under the new law, just 31% of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 noticed any increase in their pay due to the new tax law. Last January, the Treasury Department estimated 90% of employees would see more take-home pay.
Nathan Chen Member
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Despite employers beginning to withhold less in taxes under the new law, just 31% of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 noticed any increase in their pay due to the new tax law. Last January, the Treasury Department estimated 90% of employees would see more take-home pay.
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Alexander Wang 8 minutes ago
One-third cite “no change” in their financial situation. About one-third (34%) say the new tax l...
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Sofia Garcia 4 minutes ago

Table of contents

Taxpayer understanding Taxpayer sentiment Financial changes Tax withholdi...
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One-third cite “no change” in their financial situation. About one-third (34%) say the new tax law has made no change in their financial situation. About one-quarter (24%) say it has improved their financial situation and 22% say it has made theirs worse.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 9 minutes ago
One-third cite “no change” in their financial situation. About one-third (34%) say the new tax law has made no change in their financial situation. About one-quarter (24%) say it has improved their financial situation and 22% say it has made theirs worse.
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Daniel Kumar 2 minutes ago

Table of contents

Taxpayer understanding Taxpayer sentiment Financial changes Tax withholdi...
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<h3>Table of contents</h3> Taxpayer understanding Taxpayer sentiment Financial changes Tax withholding Refund outlook Refund spending Methodology It’s not surprising that many Americans are confused about the new tax law. The tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and difficult to understand. Andrea Coombes, NerdWallet tax expert <h2>Taxpayers still don t understand new law</h2> With the passage of time, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is no longer top-of-mind, despite this being the first year taxpayers will see changes when they file income tax returns.
Nathan Chen Member
access_time 30 minutes ago

Table of contents

Taxpayer understanding Taxpayer sentiment Financial changes Tax withholding Refund outlook Refund spending Methodology It’s not surprising that many Americans are confused about the new tax law. The tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and difficult to understand. Andrea Coombes, NerdWallet tax expert

Taxpayers still don t understand new law

With the passage of time, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is no longer top-of-mind, despite this being the first year taxpayers will see changes when they file income tax returns.
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Amelia Singh 19 minutes ago
In mid-December 2018, only half (51%) of Americans were aware a tax bill was signed into law in 2017...
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Elijah Patel 3 minutes ago
About half (48%) don’t understand how the law affects their tax bracket, a number relatively uncha...
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In mid-December 2018, only half (51%) of Americans were aware a tax bill was signed into law in 2017, compared with three-fourths (74%) who knew of the new law when asked in January 2018, soon after its signing. When asked what exactly the tax law changed, 28% of Americans said they are unsure. That’s compared with one-fourth (25%) who were unsure last January.
Aria Nguyen Member
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In mid-December 2018, only half (51%) of Americans were aware a tax bill was signed into law in 2017, compared with three-fourths (74%) who knew of the new law when asked in January 2018, soon after its signing. When asked what exactly the tax law changed, 28% of Americans said they are unsure. That’s compared with one-fourth (25%) who were unsure last January.
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Sophie Martin 16 minutes ago
About half (48%) don’t understand how the law affects their tax bracket, a number relatively uncha...
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“On top of that, the tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and d...
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About half (48%) don’t understand how the law affects their tax bracket, a number relatively unchanged over the past year (50% in January). “It’s not surprising that many Americans are confused about the new tax law. People are busy, and there’s a lot of news and information coming at them every day,” Coombes says.
David Cohen Member
access_time 36 minutes ago
About half (48%) don’t understand how the law affects their tax bracket, a number relatively unchanged over the past year (50% in January). “It’s not surprising that many Americans are confused about the new tax law. People are busy, and there’s a lot of news and information coming at them every day,” Coombes says.
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David Cohen 2 minutes ago
“On top of that, the tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and d...
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In the long term, however, just 28% say the law is good for the economy, versus 43% who say it is ba...
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“On top of that, the tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and difficult to understand.” » CALCULATOR: Estimate your federal income taxes<br /> Back to top <h2>Sentiment overall is mixed</h2> This confusion was apparent when Americans were asked whether they think the tax law is good or bad for the U.S. economy — 30% are unsure. Those who have an opinion may believe any positive impact of the tax legislation is fleeting: 45% of Americans think the tax law is good for the economy in the short term, compared with 26% who say it is bad.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 26 minutes ago
“On top of that, the tax rules — and this new tax law in particular — are really complex and difficult to understand.” » CALCULATOR: Estimate your federal income taxes
Back to top

Sentiment overall is mixed

This confusion was apparent when Americans were asked whether they think the tax law is good or bad for the U.S. economy — 30% are unsure. Those who have an opinion may believe any positive impact of the tax legislation is fleeting: 45% of Americans think the tax law is good for the economy in the short term, compared with 26% who say it is bad.
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In the long term, however, just 28% say the law is good for the economy, versus 43% who say it is ba...
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Audrey Mueller 1 minutes ago
A larger proportion of older Americans say the law is good for both the short and long term compared...
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In the long term, however, just 28% say the law is good for the economy, versus 43% who say it is bad. This sentiment is relatively unchanged from January 2018 when we asked the same question (short-term: 43% good and 27% bad; long-term: 25% good and 45% bad).
Hannah Kim Member
access_time 28 minutes ago
In the long term, however, just 28% say the law is good for the economy, versus 43% who say it is bad. This sentiment is relatively unchanged from January 2018 when we asked the same question (short-term: 43% good and 27% bad; long-term: 25% good and 45% bad).
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Oliver Taylor 28 minutes ago
A larger proportion of older Americans say the law is good for both the short and long term compared...
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A larger proportion of older Americans say the law is good for both the short and long term compared with younger Americans. But the rate of those saying it was bad for both the short and long term was relatively even across generations.
Daniel Kumar Member
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A larger proportion of older Americans say the law is good for both the short and long term compared with younger Americans. But the rate of those saying it was bad for both the short and long term was relatively even across generations.
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David Cohen 21 minutes ago
We asked respondents for their political affiliation and found optimism highest among Republicans. M...
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We asked respondents for their political affiliation and found optimism highest among Republicans. More than half (51%) of Americans identifying as Republican say the new law is good for the economy, both short and long term, versus 21% of independents and 5% of Democrats. Click here to see full results by political affiliation.
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time 32 minutes ago
We asked respondents for their political affiliation and found optimism highest among Republicans. More than half (51%) of Americans identifying as Republican say the new law is good for the economy, both short and long term, versus 21% of independents and 5% of Democrats. Click here to see full results by political affiliation.
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Andrew Wilson 30 minutes ago

Back to top

Many cite no noticeable change in personal finances

Most employed Amer...
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Oliver Taylor 5 minutes ago
Less than one-third (31%) of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 say they noticed an increase ...
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<br /> Back to top <h2>Many cite no noticeable change in personal finances</h2> Most employed Americans — a projected 90% of them — were due to see a modest bump in their paychecks around the end of February. That’s because the law changed how much employers withhold in taxes. But few noticed the change, according to the survey.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 34 minutes ago

Back to top

Many cite no noticeable change in personal finances

Most employed Americans — a projected 90% of them — were due to see a modest bump in their paychecks around the end of February. That’s because the law changed how much employers withhold in taxes. But few noticed the change, according to the survey.
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Julia Zhang 18 minutes ago
Less than one-third (31%) of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 say they noticed an increase ...
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Noah Davis 3 minutes ago
Overall, less than a quarter (24%) of Americans say it has improved their financial situation — 22...
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Less than one-third (31%) of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 say they noticed an increase in their pay due to the tax law. Republicans were most likely to notice a bump — 45% said they saw an increase, compared with 32% of independents and 24% of Democrats. This may be why 46% of Republicans say the tax law has made their financial situation better, versus 22% of independents and 11% of Democrats.
Dylan Patel Member
access_time 36 minutes ago
Less than one-third (31%) of Americans who received a paycheck in 2018 say they noticed an increase in their pay due to the tax law. Republicans were most likely to notice a bump — 45% said they saw an increase, compared with 32% of independents and 24% of Democrats. This may be why 46% of Republicans say the tax law has made their financial situation better, versus 22% of independents and 11% of Democrats.
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Overall, less than a quarter (24%) of Americans say it has improved their financial situation — 22% say it has made things worse and 34% say it’s made no difference at all. As such, few said their discretionary spending increased because of the tax law. Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) said their spending did not change.
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time 95 minutes ago
Overall, less than a quarter (24%) of Americans say it has improved their financial situation — 22% say it has made things worse and 34% say it’s made no difference at all. As such, few said their discretionary spending increased because of the tax law. Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) said their spending did not change.
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Luna Park 50 minutes ago
Just 11% said they spent more on things like dining out, shopping and entertainment. Data from the f...
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Julia Zhang 95 minutes ago
However, there was a similar high point in the first months of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Back to top
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Just 11% said they spent more on things like dining out, shopping and entertainment. Data from the federal government showed an increase in spending early in the second quarter of 2018, but spending changes followed a similar trajectory in the four previous years, so it’s difficult to connect the peak to the tax law changes. <br /> Likewise, a jump in the personal savings rate in the early months of 2018 could be seen as evidence taxpayers were able to set aside more money after the tax bill was signed into law.
Jack Thompson Member
access_time 40 minutes ago
Just 11% said they spent more on things like dining out, shopping and entertainment. Data from the federal government showed an increase in spending early in the second quarter of 2018, but spending changes followed a similar trajectory in the four previous years, so it’s difficult to connect the peak to the tax law changes.
Likewise, a jump in the personal savings rate in the early months of 2018 could be seen as evidence taxpayers were able to set aside more money after the tax bill was signed into law.
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Aria Nguyen 10 minutes ago
However, there was a similar high point in the first months of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Back to top
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However, there was a similar high point in the first months of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Back to top <h2>Few adjusted their tax withholding</h2> For some, the change in taxes withheld from each paycheck could put them at risk of overpaying or underpaying, something they likely won’t realize until it’s time to file their tax return. Overpaying results in a bigger refund, but essentially means you’re giving the government an interest-free loan.
Harper Kim Member
access_time 21 minutes ago
However, there was a similar high point in the first months of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Back to top

Few adjusted their tax withholding

For some, the change in taxes withheld from each paycheck could put them at risk of overpaying or underpaying, something they likely won’t realize until it’s time to file their tax return. Overpaying results in a bigger refund, but essentially means you’re giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Madison Singh 19 minutes ago
Underpaying leaves you with a tax bill. The IRS recommends people fill out a new W-4 each year or wh...
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Henry Schmidt 12 minutes ago
“While we all tend to ignore the W-4 form, it can have an outsize effect on our financial situatio...
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Underpaying leaves you with a tax bill. The IRS recommends people fill out a new W-4 each year or when their personal situation changes. A W-4 is the form that tells employers how much of your paycheck to hold out for taxes.
Jack Thompson Member
access_time 66 minutes ago
Underpaying leaves you with a tax bill. The IRS recommends people fill out a new W-4 each year or when their personal situation changes. A W-4 is the form that tells employers how much of your paycheck to hold out for taxes.
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Christopher Lee 31 minutes ago
“While we all tend to ignore the W-4 form, it can have an outsize effect on our financial situatio...
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Only 16% of Americans changed their federal tax withholding within the past year as a result of the ...
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“While we all tend to ignore the W-4 form, it can have an outsize effect on our financial situation. That’s especially true this year because of all the tax law changes,” Coombes says. “The worrisome thing is that some folks may get hit with a bigger-than-expected tax bill this year — use a tax estimate calculator now, so you can prepare for that bill if necessary,” she says.
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time 92 minutes ago
“While we all tend to ignore the W-4 form, it can have an outsize effect on our financial situation. That’s especially true this year because of all the tax law changes,” Coombes says. “The worrisome thing is that some folks may get hit with a bigger-than-expected tax bill this year — use a tax estimate calculator now, so you can prepare for that bill if necessary,” she says.
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Andrew Wilson 30 minutes ago
Only 16% of Americans changed their federal tax withholding within the past year as a result of the ...
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That’s roughly $680 less than the average individual federal refund in fiscal year 2017, according...
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Only 16% of Americans changed their federal tax withholding within the past year as a result of the new tax law, according to the survey. The youngest were most likely to make an adjustment — 28% of millennials changed their federal tax withholding versus 15% of Generation X and 9% of baby boomers. While it’s too late to do anything about the amount withheld in 2018, taxpayers can use a withholding calculator to see if adjustments are needed for the 2019 tax year.<br /> Back to top <h2>Taxpayers hedge their bets on refunds</h2> Americans anticipating a federal income tax refund on their 2018 taxes say they expect to receive $1,861, on average.
Lucas Martinez Moderator
access_time 24 minutes ago
Only 16% of Americans changed their federal tax withholding within the past year as a result of the new tax law, according to the survey. The youngest were most likely to make an adjustment — 28% of millennials changed their federal tax withholding versus 15% of Generation X and 9% of baby boomers. While it’s too late to do anything about the amount withheld in 2018, taxpayers can use a withholding calculator to see if adjustments are needed for the 2019 tax year.
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Taxpayers hedge their bets on refunds

Americans anticipating a federal income tax refund on their 2018 taxes say they expect to receive $1,861, on average.
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Luna Park 3 minutes ago
That’s roughly $680 less than the average individual federal refund in fiscal year 2017, according...
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Nearly one-fourth (23%) say they’re expecting less. But many taxpayers will see most of the benefi...
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That’s roughly $680 less than the average individual federal refund in fiscal year 2017, according to IRS data. It could be that they’re being cautious with their optimism. Just 17% of those planning to file 2018 returns expect to get more money back for their federal refund than they would have gotten had the new tax law not been passed, according to our survey.
Charlotte Lee Member
access_time 25 minutes ago
That’s roughly $680 less than the average individual federal refund in fiscal year 2017, according to IRS data. It could be that they’re being cautious with their optimism. Just 17% of those planning to file 2018 returns expect to get more money back for their federal refund than they would have gotten had the new tax law not been passed, according to our survey.
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Liam Wilson 22 minutes ago
Nearly one-fourth (23%) say they’re expecting less. But many taxpayers will see most of the benefi...
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According to its estimates, those who earn the least will see the biggest gain in their tax refunds ...
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Nearly one-fourth (23%) say they’re expecting less. But many taxpayers will see most of the benefits of the tax law at refund time, according to an analysis by Wells Fargo Securities’ research team.
Ryan Garcia Member
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Nearly one-fourth (23%) say they’re expecting less. But many taxpayers will see most of the benefits of the tax law at refund time, according to an analysis by Wells Fargo Securities’ research team.
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According to its estimates, those who earn the least will see the biggest gain in their tax refunds ...
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According to its estimates, those who earn the least will see the biggest gain in their tax refunds this year. Still, 39% of those filing who earn less than $50,000 think they&#8217;ll get the same or less back this year than they would have without the new tax law, according to our survey.<br /> Back to top <h2>Tax refunds are earmarked for savings debt</h2> Income tax refunds are an annual windfall for some families, and those expecting a refund generally have plans for the taxes they overpaid throughout the year. But those plans may not involve running out to buy the newest flat-screen television; just 11% of those expecting a federal refund plan to treat themselves to a gift they wouldn’t have otherwise purchased.
Jack Thompson Member
access_time 81 minutes ago
According to its estimates, those who earn the least will see the biggest gain in their tax refunds this year. Still, 39% of those filing who earn less than $50,000 think they’ll get the same or less back this year than they would have without the new tax law, according to our survey.
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Tax refunds are earmarked for savings debt

Income tax refunds are an annual windfall for some families, and those expecting a refund generally have plans for the taxes they overpaid throughout the year. But those plans may not involve running out to buy the newest flat-screen television; just 11% of those expecting a federal refund plan to treat themselves to a gift they wouldn’t have otherwise purchased.
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Henry Schmidt 56 minutes ago
Saving, paying down debt and catching up on bills are far more popular. » Looking to invest your re...
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Liam Wilson 8 minutes ago
One-tenth (10%) of those expecting a federal refund said they’re unsure of how they’ll use it. T...
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Saving, paying down debt and catching up on bills are far more popular. » Looking to invest your refund? See NerdWallet’s best online brokers for 2019.
Elijah Patel Member
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Saving, paying down debt and catching up on bills are far more popular. » Looking to invest your refund? See NerdWallet’s best online brokers for 2019.
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One-tenth (10%) of those expecting a federal refund said they’re unsure of how they’ll use it. They could take their cues from those with savvy plans: Seed an emergency fund.
Isaac Schmidt Member
access_time 29 minutes ago
One-tenth (10%) of those expecting a federal refund said they’re unsure of how they’ll use it. They could take their cues from those with savvy plans: Seed an emergency fund.
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Sophie Martin 25 minutes ago
Ideally, you have a few months of living expenses set aside for unexpected expenses. But even a $500...
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Chloe Santos 10 minutes ago
Income tax refunds are a good way to tackle high-interest credit cards and other costly debts, espec...
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Ideally, you have a few months of living expenses set aside for unexpected expenses. But even a $500 income tax refund creates a good buffer if you don&#8217;t already have an emergency fund. Pay down high-interest debt.
Victoria Lopez Member
access_time 60 minutes ago
Ideally, you have a few months of living expenses set aside for unexpected expenses. But even a $500 income tax refund creates a good buffer if you don’t already have an emergency fund. Pay down high-interest debt.
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Victoria Lopez 16 minutes ago
Income tax refunds are a good way to tackle high-interest credit cards and other costly debts, espec...
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Lily Watson 47 minutes ago
Putting $1,861 — the average amount folks are expecting in this year’s refund — into a traditi...
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Income tax refunds are a good way to tackle high-interest credit cards and other costly debts, especially if you’re otherwise only making small payments. Grow your money. While nearly one-third (32%) of those expecting a federal refund say they’ll put it “into savings,” the type of savings you use can make a big difference.
Natalie Lopez Member
access_time 124 minutes ago
Income tax refunds are a good way to tackle high-interest credit cards and other costly debts, especially if you’re otherwise only making small payments. Grow your money. While nearly one-third (32%) of those expecting a federal refund say they’ll put it “into savings,” the type of savings you use can make a big difference.
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Isabella Johnson 123 minutes ago
Putting $1,861 — the average amount folks are expecting in this year’s refund — into a traditi...
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Victoria Lopez 122 minutes ago
Invest in retirement. The money you save is easily accessible in a savings account, but if you don�...
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Putting $1,861 — the average amount folks are expecting in this year’s refund — into a traditional savings account would earn about $34 over 20 years, assuming 0.09% interest, the current average among these account types. Putting that same refund into a high-interest savings account, one that earns 2%, would grow $914 in 20 years.
Kevin Wang Member
access_time 32 minutes ago
Putting $1,861 — the average amount folks are expecting in this year’s refund — into a traditional savings account would earn about $34 over 20 years, assuming 0.09% interest, the current average among these account types. Putting that same refund into a high-interest savings account, one that earns 2%, would grow $914 in 20 years.
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Andrew Wilson 14 minutes ago
Invest in retirement. The money you save is easily accessible in a savings account, but if you don�...
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Invest in retirement. The money you save is easily accessible in a savings account, but if you don’t need that money in the next five years, you can see even greater returns by investing.
Natalie Lopez Member
access_time 66 minutes ago
Invest in retirement. The money you save is easily accessible in a savings account, but if you don’t need that money in the next five years, you can see even greater returns by investing.
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David Cohen 36 minutes ago
An IRA opened with $1,861 could grow to $5,969 in 20 years, assuming a 6% average rate of return —...
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An IRA opened with $1,861 could grow to $5,969 in 20 years, assuming a 6% average rate of return — and more, if you continue to add to the account. “It’s great to see a fairly high portion of people plan to put their refunds to good use,” Coombes says.
Lucas Martinez Moderator
access_time 102 minutes ago
An IRA opened with $1,861 could grow to $5,969 in 20 years, assuming a 6% average rate of return — and more, if you continue to add to the account. “It’s great to see a fairly high portion of people plan to put their refunds to good use,” Coombes says.
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“While it may not seem all that fun to stash money away for a long-term goal like retirement, putting some money aside for the future can actually feel really good — and watching that money grow in an IRA, thanks to investment returns, feels even better.” » MORE: NerdWallet’s best IRA accounts of 2019<br /> Click here to read part two of this study, published on April 2, 2019. Back to top <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> The latest tax law survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Dec. 11-13, 2018, among 2,005 U.S.
Andrew Wilson Member
access_time 105 minutes ago
“While it may not seem all that fun to stash money away for a long-term goal like retirement, putting some money aside for the future can actually feel really good — and watching that money grow in an IRA, thanks to investment returns, feels even better.” » MORE: NerdWallet’s best IRA accounts of 2019
Click here to read part two of this study, published on April 2, 2019. Back to top

METHODOLOGY

The latest tax law survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Dec. 11-13, 2018, among 2,005 U.S.
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Chloe Santos 81 minutes ago
adults ages 18 and older. The earlier tax law survey was conducted online within the United States b...
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adults ages 18 and older. The earlier tax law survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Jan. 9-11, 2018, among 2,086 U.S.
Elijah Patel Member
access_time 108 minutes ago
adults ages 18 and older. The earlier tax law survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Jan. 9-11, 2018, among 2,086 U.S.
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Ethan Thomas 68 minutes ago
adults ages 18 and older. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore n...
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adults ages 18 and older. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
Sophie Martin Member
access_time 185 minutes ago
adults ages 18 and older. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
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Christopher Lee 113 minutes ago
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please con...
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Ethan Thomas 120 minutes ago
Returns on an initial IRA investment of $1,861 were calculated using no additional contributions, a ...
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For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Megan Katz at [email&#160;protected]. For all surveys referenced, generations are defined as: millennials, ages 18-34; Generation X, ages 35-54; and baby boomers, ages 55 and older. Interest earned on savings accounts deposits was calculated using 0.09% interest for a traditional savings account versus 2% on a high-interest account.
Henry Schmidt Member
access_time 114 minutes ago
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Megan Katz at [email protected]. For all surveys referenced, generations are defined as: millennials, ages 18-34; Generation X, ages 35-54; and baby boomers, ages 55 and older. Interest earned on savings accounts deposits was calculated using 0.09% interest for a traditional savings account versus 2% on a high-interest account.
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Audrey Mueller 59 minutes ago
Returns on an initial IRA investment of $1,861 were calculated using no additional contributions, a ...
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Returns on an initial IRA investment of $1,861 were calculated using no additional contributions, a 20-year period and a 6% average rate of return.
Natalie Lopez Member
access_time 39 minutes ago
Returns on an initial IRA investment of $1,861 were calculated using no additional contributions, a 20-year period and a 6% average rate of return.
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