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The latest trends in society and culture from The Harris Poll
Good morning from New York.
One Interesting Stat: 66. Despite the Senate’s clawback yesterday of about $1.1 billion in support, two-thirds of Americans agree that federal funding for public radio is worth the taxpayer dollars, with majorities from both parties in consent (Democrats: 76%, Republicans: 59%).
We have four new stories from our polling this week:
- Younger American daters prioritize financial health over physical appearance.
- Back-to-school shoppers brace for tariff hikes.
- What’s the key to a lasting marriage? Talking about sleep habits.
- Most Americans think a healthcare proxy is something to worry about later. Is it?
Swiping Right on Finances: Current-Harris Poll
They say that money can’t buy happiness, but maybe a few more dates? According to our survey with Current, in this economy, finances matter more than looks:
- A third of Americans say that low or no debt (33%) and a strong credit score(30%) are more attractive in a potential romantic partner than physical appearances.
- Bad credit is a bigger turnoff than bad hygiene, according to Gen Z (19%) and Millennials (22%). And nearly a fifth have ended a relationship after discovering a partner had significant debt (19% and 17%).
- Emergency savings are better than a Ferrari? One-third of both Millennials and Gen Z (33%) say that a potential partner’s having emergency savings is more attractive than their looks (v. Boomer+: 18%).
- Fico better than therapy? Two in five Americans (39%) think improving their credit scores could bolster a couple’s bond.
- More young Americans today want financial security as a precursor to romance. We found previously that (41%) of Gen Z and (47%) of Millennials who were engaged or had been married entered into a prenuptial agreement.
Takeaway: Financial health is “one of the critical things that people should be asking about these days,” says Dr. Deb Castaldo, a relationship expert, couples therapist, and author of “The Return to Love Playbook.” A long-term relationship, she adds, is not only about a spark and shared interests — it’s a financial agreement.
Tariffs Hit Back-To-School Shopping: NerdWallet-Harris Poll
The upcoming school year is right around the corner, but what’s new this year is tariffs. Here’s what we’re seeing with NerdWallet as back-to-school shopping starts again.
- Tariffs hit the school aisles: Over half of parents with children (56%) say the back-to-school season is financially stressful for their family, with the estimated average spent increasing this year to $741 ($200 more than last year’s average!).
- BNPL for backpacks: Nearly a quarter (23%) say they’ll use Buy Now, Pay Later services to pay for back-to-school purchases, with 13% saying it’s likely they’ll go into debt to pay for school supplies this year.
- Dupe shopping: (What I used to affectionately remember as JCPenney’s Plain Pockets!). Over a third of back-to-school shoppers plan to buy different brands (39%) or at various retailers (35%) due to tariff-related price increases.
- A quarter (26%) have already purchased new technology items for the upcoming school year to avoid tariff price hikes.
Takeaway: “Tariffs are top-of-mind for many families this year, since they can affect prices for common back-to-school purchases like clothing and computers,” says Sara Rathner, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. “This is a good year to plan ahead so you can comparison shop and spread out the costs of everything you need to buy.”
Newlyweds Need To Talk About Sleep: Mattress Firm-Harris Poll
This wedding season, couples are busy finalizing guest lists, menus, and registries, but they may overlook sleep as one of the most important aspects of married life, as we survey with Mattress Firm.
- Silverware over pillows: The first indication couples aren’t talking about sleep: Just (36%) of couples included sleep-related items on their wedding registry. Yet (85%) of married (e.g., experienced) Americans say they would recommend adding them.
- Many blame themselves for poor sleep (44%), yet (36%) of married couples don’t discuss their sleep habits with each other.
- Many Gen Z couples are ok with separate bedrooms: (43%) say they would consider sleeping in separate beds for better rest, and (35%) would consider ending a relationship over sleep issues.
Takeaway: “Sleep is one of the most intimate and important parts of life together, and it’s often overlooked,” said Dr. Jade Wu, board-certified sleep psychologist and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor. “Better sleep leads to better relationships. So, for those about to tie the knot, now is the perfect time to plan for and talk about sleep – exploring habits and routines that work for early birds, night owls, and everyone in between.”
Advance Care Planning Could Be the Next Health Crisis:
America is aging, yet most of us do not have a plan in place to convey our care preferences if we are unable to do so. This, according to our new poll conducted by Backline and DrFirst.
- Only 5% of Americans have what’s called an advance care plan in place.
- Half (50%) are largely unfamiliar with this process of deciding and communicating future medical care preferences.
- And a third (34%) mistakenly think it’s only needed for the very sick, or older Americans, yet (26%) lack confidence that their family knows their healthcare wishes.
- Providers could play a key role: Two-thirds (66%) say their healthcare provider should initiate conversations about advance care planning.
Takeaway: “Advance care planning can be a sensitive topic, but it’s crucial that these conversations happen,” said Colin Banas, M.D., chief medical officer for Backline by DrFirst. “I tell patients it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones, sparing them the burden of making difficult decisions during a medical emergency.”
