Census: American Spending Habits.

Information about how much Americans spend for groceries, clothing, health care, transportation, housing and other items will be collected in July 2004 by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of randomly selected households across the country.

In the Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey, about 7,500 households will be interviewed once every three months — over a one-year period. Another 7,500 households will record their expenditures for two weeks only. The results are published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Government economists use the results to update a “market basket” of goods and services for the Consumer Price Index, the single most widely used measure of inflation in the country.

“The findings are invaluable to business owners and policy-makers in our communities,” said James Holmes, director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta regional office. “They use the data to evaluate consumer needs and track changes in consumer spending.”

Before the survey, households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of their selection. Census Bureau field representatives, who conduct the interviews, carry official photo identification badges. The law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.

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