How much of their disposable income are Americans saving?

Answer:

4.1% (in August 2026)

Find the most recent data from FRED

Questions:

• Summarize the trends in the personal savings rate over the last 10 years.
• What factors do you think impact the personal savings rate?
• What do you personally think is a good savings rate to aim for?

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Behind the Numbers: (FRED)

The personal saving rate is personal saving divided by disposable personal income. According to FRED, which publishes the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data, it was 4.1% in August 2026, down from 4.6% in July and 4.4% in April, May and June.

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.

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