Daily Self-Spending Falls Slightly

Americans' daily self-reports of spending averaged $91 in August, down from $100 in July, which was the highest average for any month since July 2008. Last month's average is in line with the $89 reported in August 2015, but slightly below the averages for the same month in 2013 ($95) and 2014 ($94).

The spending average for August is on par with the average of $90 for 2016 so far. In Gallup's nearly nine-year trend, August has generally not been a standout month for spending, ranking neither among the highest nor the lowest spending months in most years. Looking forward, Americans typically report less spending on average in September than in August, including each year since 2010.

Both higher- and lower-earning Americans reported lower spending on average in August than in July. The drop was more pronounced among Americans whose annual household incomes are $90,000 or higher, whose self-reported daily spending average fell $21, to $140. Spending dropped less in August among Americans whose annual household incomes are lower than $90,000.