NOTE: THIS DATA FILE WILL CHANGE! To improve accessibility of data for all users, we will convert this file from a text format to an html table by the end of June 2024. Title: CredAbility Consumer Distress Index for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ (MSA) (DISCONTINUED) Series ID: CCDIOA10900Q156N Source: CredAbility Nonprofit Credit Counseling & Education Release: CredAbility Consumer Distress Index (Not a Press Release) Seasonal Adjustment: Not Seasonally Adjusted Frequency: Quarterly Units: Percent Date Range: 2005-01-01 to 2013-01-01 Last Updated: 2013-05-17 2:01 PM CDT Notes: Overview of the Index The Index is a quarterly comprehensive picture of the average American household’s financial condition. Built by assessing the key elements of financial health and distress, it converts a complex set of factors into a single, easy to understand number. Scope and History The index measures the U.S., all 50 states and more than 70 MSAs. The national and state versions date back to 1980 and the MSA versions date back to 1990. Public Data and Proprietary Methodology We use more than 65 data points from government, public and private data and a proprietary methodology for compiling, combining and evaluating data. With nearly 50 years of experience and insight into helping consumers in financial distress, we know the biggest causes of distress, how people react to financial challenges and proven strategies for regaining control. (Note: Our client data is not a data source for the Index) Measured on a 100 Point Scale Financial distress is measured on a 100 point scale and a score under 70 indicates financial distress. The lower the score equals more distress, a weaker financial position, more urgency to act, takes longer and is harder to resolve, and increases the probability of needing a third party help to resolve. The Index score is tied to one of 5 general rating categories, which reflect the strength and stability of the consumer’s position. Less than 60 Emergency / Crisis 60 – 69 Distressed / Unstable 70 – 79 Weakening / At-Risk 80 – 89 Good / Stable 90 and Above Excellent / Secure What Does the Index Measure? We measure the 5 categories of personal finance that reflect or lead to a secure, stable financial life—Employment, Housing, Credit, Household Budget and Net Worth. All are equally important, so have given each category equal weighting. Employment. Stable income is the foundation of any family’s finances. This category measures the impact of unemployment and underemployment on financial health. Key Measures: Unemployment, Underemployment Sample Data Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Housing. Safe, affordable housing is a priority for all families. This category measures how consumers are paying their mortgage/rent and the impact of housing costs on their finances. Key Measures: Mortgage and Rental Delinquencies, Housing as Percent of Budget Sample Data Source: National Delinquency Survey Credit. Responsible use of credit creates more borrowing options and lower costs. This category assesses the strength of credit scores and how well families manage their credit. Key Measures: Credit Scores, Trade Line Utilization, Credit Delinquencies, Per Capita Bankruptcies Sample Data Source: National Credit Bureau Household Budget. Spending less than you make is the daily choice that leads to long-term success. This category measures families’ spending patterns and saving for emergencies. Key Measures: Disposable Income, Savings, Consumer Confidence Sample Data Source: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis Net Worth. Strong, positive net worth creates options and independence. This category measures how well consumers are strengthening their personal balance sheets. Key Measures: Household Net Worth, Net Worth versus Funds Required for Long-Term Needs (e.g. retirement) Sample Data Source: Federal Reserve Flow of Funds, Survey of Consumer Finances DATE VALUE 2005-01-01 76.306436714307 2005-04-01 76.800480597434 2005-07-01 74.999624702892 2005-10-01 76.055520819810 2006-01-01 80.629015475732 2006-04-01 78.778007337356 2006-07-01 79.696589186047 2006-10-01 80.823842619738 2007-01-01 80.712061828152 2007-04-01 78.737222526792 2007-07-01 80.290632504609 2007-10-01 79.520101712179 2008-01-01 73.657543285233 2008-04-01 73.849077948304 2008-07-01 73.339555881654 2008-10-01 75.238779253353 2009-01-01 68.214616429901 2009-04-01 70.618530775011 2009-07-01 67.948255574343 2009-10-01 68.397868906964 2010-01-01 67.220222340998 2010-04-01 66.987804834307 2010-07-01 66.690209041071 2010-10-01 67.492745428181 2011-01-01 67.166273602038 2011-04-01 67.254875920221 2011-07-01 65.320492853234 2011-10-01 65.418755994884 2012-01-01 66.164184804979 2012-04-01 67.016619683846 2012-07-01 66.317390000000 2012-10-01 67.590511897089 2013-01-01 65.948063282022