Rise of Groupon, LivingSocial and other coupon sites require increased focus on financial priorities, National CPA Financial Literacy Commission says

NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the past year, 23 million Americans — 10 percent of the adult population — purchased a coupon from an online site such as Groupon or LivingSocial, according to a survey conducted for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants by Harris Interactive, reflecting a burgeoning "deal culture" that requires consumers to keep a sharp focus on their financial priorities.

The coupons were used equally for items needed, 49 percent, and wanted, 48 percent, according to the survey conducted by telephone among 1,005 U.S. adults between March 23 and March 27 in recognition of Financial Literacy Month in April. But there was disparity between the sexes. More than half of men, 53 percent, said they bought coupons for products or services they wanted, while an equal percentage of women got coupons for items they needed.

"The crux here is 'need' versus 'want,'" said Jordan Amin, chairman of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. "We all love a great deal — and we encourage consumers to pursue any opportunity to save on items they need. A purchase, though, is always an exercise in prioritization. Spending on too many wants, no matter how great the perceived value, is lost opportunity for retirement or other savings."

Indeed, Americans are struggling to sock away money for the future, according to the survey. More than half of Americans, 56 percent, are unable to save, and 4 in 10 working adults say they'll never afford retirement. The challenge of saving is exacerbated now by rising fuel and food prices. Six in 10 adults have changed their behavior to contend with rising gas prices. Forty-eight percent of Americans have modified their behavior to deal with rising food costs.

In the face of these challenges, an increasing number of retailers are turning to online deal sites and flash sales to attract consumers. According to the survey results, such offers are especially appealing to younger shoppers. Americans aged 25 to 34 are more likely than any other age group to have purchased a coupon from Groupon, LivingSocial or another online deal site within the past year.

"In our growing deal culture it's important that consumers take a step back," Amin said. "When they encounter these offers they need to think through their needs, the actual value of the deals and the financial tradeoffs that come with spending money instead of saving it.

"Money doesn't come easily," Amin continued. "We want to make sure it doesn't go easily, either."

The National CPA Financial Literacy Commission oversees two programs to help Americans achieve financial well-being. The first, 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy (www.360financialliteracy.org), is a volunteer effort of the CPA profession to educate Americans about financial issues affecting them at 10 life stages, from childhood to retirement, and includes free tools on budgeting and expense management.

A second program, Feed the Pig (www.feedthepig.org), created with the Advertising Council, encourages Americans aged 25 to 34 to begin preparing for long-term financial security. Ad Council research has shown that individuals who have seen or heard a Feed the Pig public service announcement are more likely to change their financial behavior for the better.

Methodology

Since 2007, the AICPA has conducted an annual survey of Americans to determine their attitudes toward their finances. Harris Interactive conducted this year's survey by telephone within the United States between March 23 and March 27 among a nationwide cross-section of 1,005 adults aged 18 and older.

About AICPA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org), founded in 1887, is the world's largest association representing the accounting profession, with nearly 370,000 members in 128 countries. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting; membership is also available to accounting students and CPA candidates. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Durham, N.C., Ewing, N.J. and Lewisville, Texas.

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SOURCE American Institute of Certified Public Accountants