Size doesn’t matter. G-Xers, smallest of generational groups, spends the most on luxury goods [American Express]

When it comes to luxury goods, the buying power Gen Xers far exceeds their size

• The 46 million members of Generation X represent $125 billion in spending power
• Every year they spend:
  $3,235 annually on fragrances, cosmetics and beauty products
  $6,066 annually on fashion accessories
  $23,027 annually on men's and women's clothing
  $3,922 annually on wines and liquors

But… Millenials might be the best stimulus package (Millennialmarketer.com)

Gen Y influences as much as half of all spending in the US economy

• More than 4 in 5 (81%) of clothing/apparel purchases
• More than 3 in 4 (77%) of food/grocery purchases
• Technology related purchases:
  - Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) video game/system purchases
  - More than 2 in 3 (68%) computer purchases
  - 2 in 3 (66%) cell phone purchases

Politically uninvolved? You got the wrong generation (Pew Research)

Millenials prove their critics wrong by being socially and politically active

• 49% of people ages 18-29 voted in the 2004 election, up 9% from 2000 (40%)
• Millennials are more likely to vote Democrat than Republican (51% Democrat vs. 37% Republican)
• 58% favor gays/lesbians adopting children
• 48% support gay marriage
• 68% approve of inter-racial dating
• 31% believed abortion should be “generally available”

Want to talk to generation X? Do it in many languages [NASA Recruitment]

The large number of immigrants in Generation X makes diverse messaging a must

• Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) immigrants is a Gen Xer
• At least 1 in every 7 individuals in Gen X is an immigrant
• More than 6 in 10 (62%) Gen Xer’s is White, while 13% are African American, 12% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and 1% American Indian

HEALTHCARE

Americans Divided about Higher Premiums for the Unhealthy (Kaiser Family Foundation)

A divided nation changes their minds once they understand the impact on their fellow Americans

• Nearly half (47%) say health insurance companies should charge higher premiums for people who engage in unhealthy behavior
• of that 47%, 2 in 3 (67%) changed their minds when told that higher premiums could make it harder for low income and people experiencing real health problems to get insurance
• Nearly half (49%) say health insurance companies should not charge higher premiums for people who engage in unhealthy behavior
• of that 49%, a large majority (56%) changed their minds when told that higher premiums could help control health care costs and encourage healthier behaviors

Amid Unease and Falling Approval Ratings, Americans know the Present Healthcare System is Unsustainable (NY Times)

Americans recognize the status quo can’t last much longer and are calling for fundamental change

• 4 in 5 (80%) are concerned that the percentage of Americans without healthcare will continue to rise if congress doesn’t act
• 2 in 3 (66%) are concerned that they will eventually lose their insurance if the government doesn’t create a new health care system
• Nearly half (49%) said they supported fundamental changes in the current system
  1 in 3 (33%)percent said the health care system needed to be completely rebuilt
• Americans recognize the status quo can’t last much longer and are calling for fundamental change

TECHNOLOGY

Americans Overall Support Nuclear Energy, but the Differences between them show a Lack of Consensus [Gallup]

Gender, income and political orientation shape views about nuclear energy

• Nearly 3 in 5 Americans (59%) favor the use of nuclear energy in US
• More than 7 in 10 men (71%) favor the use of the nuclear energy vs. nearly half of women (47%)
• 3 in 4 Americans (75%) whose household incomes are at least $75,000 favor the use of nuclear energy vs. just 2 in 5 (41%) of those with household incomes of less than $30,000
• Republicans are more in favor of nuclear energy than Democrats by 19%, (71% of Republicans vs. 52% of Democrats)

The Internet helps Americans Weather through the Economic Storm [Pew Internet]

Online information has become a popular source of advice about recession induced economic and financial issues

• Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) of all Americans have used the internet to cope with the recession- as a way to find bargains, jobs, and ways to upgrade their skills, better investment strategies, and government benefits
• Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) of all internet users seek financial relief when online