Struggling consumers in Cincinnati say recession changed how they handle their finances. But is it enough?
Tavis Smiley and Nationwide Insurance to provide financial literacy workshop in Cincinnati
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2010
Contacts:
Nationwide:
Gayle Saunders (614) 203-4772
saundee4@nationwide.com
TSG:
Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati (215) 888-4673
vlloydsgam@aol.com
Cincinnati, Ohio — As Cincinnati residents begin to emerge from the Great Recession, they are hungry for financial insight and guidance to help rebuild household balance sheets and to start planning for a brighter financial future. In response to this need, Nationwide Insurance is partnering with author and broadcaster, Tavis Smiley to bring its On Your Side Tour with Tavis Smiley, a free financial empowerment workshop, to Cincinnati on June 19 at the Millennium Hotel.
The need to address financial literacy and financial planning – including African-American households in Cincinnati – is highlighted in a new survey commissioned by The Smiley Group and Nationwide Insurance that shows the recession has impacted how Americans are preparing themselves for the future.
According to the survey, African Americans in Cincinnati have made more positive changes in the past year than the general population as a result of the economy, including creating a household budget (42 percent to 26 percent), reducing spending other than entertainment (49 percent to 40 percent), and using cheaper transportation (25 percent to 15 percent).
Sixty one percent of all respondents have cut back on eating out and entertainment in the past twelve months due to the economy. Of those who made such cut backs, thirty-eight percent of the general population plans to continue to do so with 25 percent of African American respondents planning to continue.
When it comes to financial goals, African Americans said minimizing debt (64 percent to 55 percent) and building an emergency fund (34 percent to 13 percent) are significantly more important to them than the overall general population responded.
However, the survey indicates there is still work to be done. The
majority of African American (83 percent) and general population (97
percent) respondents remain at least somewhat worried about the economy.
More respondents believe their financial condition has worsened in the
past year than those who feel it has improved.
Other survey findings of concern:
• Only about half of all respondents (45 percent general population, 50
percent African American) agree that having a clear financial plan is
necessary to achieve goals.
• One-third (36 percent) of African American respondents do not spend
any time on savings or investment activities, compared to about one-fifth
(17 percent) of the general population.
• One-fourth (24 percent) of general population respondents consider
saving for retirement their most important household goal, significantly
more than the just eight percent of African American respondents who
agreed.
• Significantly more African American (87 percent) than general
population (55 percent) respondents do not have a financial advisor. Of
those who don’t have an advisor, only about one-fourth (26 percent
general population, 29 percent African American) think they need
one.
• Thirty one percent of African Americans said they are struggling with
credit card debt, with 17 percent of the general population admitting to
the same struggles.
.
“The results of the survey underscore that Americans in Cincinnati –
black and white – are more optimistic, but they are struggling to emerge
from this downturn on their feet,” said Tavis Smiley. “As the world
continues to recover from the recession, Black America has the highest
unemployment rates, was heavily impacted by the housing crisis and was
hit hard by the credit crisis. These sessions are as timely today as they
were when we started the tour two years ago.”
The free event at the Millennium Hotel is open to the public and will focus on economic empowerment and financial planning. It will feature a general session with Smiley as the keynote speaker, two informational seminars with breakout sessions for group participation and provide other information – including financial basics, employment opportunities and more.
“As America continues to see the long-term impact of the Great Recession, our safety nets are slowly diminishing and consumers are becoming more aware that fiscal accountability and responsibility is up to them,” said Eric Smith, regional vice president for Nationwide’s Midwest Region. “Consumers are seeking financial information and tools to help them plan for today and prepare for tomorrow. We view our On Your Side Tour with Tavis Smiley as a way to help people help themselves and make a difference in communities like Cincinnati.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the recession, African Americans are more confident about their
financial future than the general population. Two-thirds (69 percent) of
African Americans expect their condition to be better, with only
one-third (34 percent) of the general population expecting conditions to
improve. Only 4 percent of African Americans expect their financial
future to worsen over the next year with one fourth (25 percent) of the
general population expecting things to get worse.
About the Survey
The online survey was conducted March-April 2010 by the Blackstone
Group. A web panel was used to collect data. A total of 347 residents of
Cincinnati, Ohio, were split into two sample groups: General Population,
ages 18+ (200 people) and African American, ages 18+ (147 people).
Significance testing was done at the 90% confidence level. Margin of
error is +3.4%.
About Tavis Smiley and The Smiley Group
From his celebrated conversations with world figures, to his work to
inspire the next generation of leaders, as a broadcaster, author,
advocate and philanthropist, Tavis Smiley continues to be
an outstanding voice for change. Smiley is currently the host of the
late night television talk show Tavis Smiley on PBS and The Tavis Smiley
Show from Public Radio International (PRI).
TIME magazine honored Smiley in 2009 as one of “The World’s 100 Most
Influential People.” The Smiley Group, Inc. is a communications
corporation established in support of human rights and related
empowerment issues. TSG serves as the holding company for various
enterprises encompassing broadcast and print media, lectures, symposiums
and the Internet. For more information, visit www.tavistalks.com.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest
diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S.
and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of
personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance,
motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance,
administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions,
long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more
information, visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service
marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
