In January 2005, information about how much Americans spend for health care, groceries, clothing, transportation, housing and other items will be collected by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of randomly selected households across the country.

     During the Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey, about 7,500 households will be interviewed once every three months to obtain data on relatively large expenditures; over the year, another 7,500 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of all purchases. The Interview Survey is designed to capture expenditure data that respondents can reasonably recall for a period of three months or longer, whereas the Diary Survey captures expenditures on small, frequently purchased items that are normally difficult for respondents to recall later. 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.

     “Findings from this survey help business and community leaders make sound decisions,” said James Holmes, director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office. “More specifically, the survey gives business owners the information they need to help respond better to consumer needs, and it is a great help to government officials planning public services.”

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

      The following data on food expenditures are an example of CE results.

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