U.S. News & World Report Releases the 2014 Millennial Report

-- Report shows millennials are motivated researchers who want to make smart financial decisions --

News provided by

Oct 14, 2014, 10:30 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennials are motivated online researchers who care about their finances and planning for the future, according to a new report released today by U.S. News & World Report. The 2014 Millennial Report, developed by U.S. News Market Insights, challenges the common preconceptions that the millennial generation – defined as those between the ages of 18 and 34 – is lazy, unmotivated and unconcerned with responsible saving and spending.

The report, which combines U.S. News audience surveys and analytics with recent market research, sheds light on the online behavior of the 10 million millennials that visit usnews.com each month.

Key findings from the 2014 Millennial Report:

Millennials want credible, in-depth information that helps them make important decisions. Heavy search traffic to U.S. News suggests that millennials are conducting online research on major life decisions, such as "how to pay off student debt," or finding the "best health plan" or "best family car."
Paying for school and day-to-day expenses are the leading financial concerns for millennials on usnews.com, while paying for health care, buying a home and funding retirement are also important to them.
Despite financial concerns, the millennial generation is optimistic and planning for their future. 52% of those surveyed say they have put money into a savings account. 25% are using a financial advisor already.

"Millennials are not just interested in cat videos and celebrity gossip," said Mary Catherine Bain, Director of Marketing for U.S. News and author of the report. "Our research shows they want credible information that helps them make important life decisions, especially as it relates to their finances."

The 2014 Millennial Report is the first market insights report by U.S. News & World Report. USNews.com receives an average of 25 million unique visitors each month. 10 million – or 40% of site-wide traffic – are millennials. As more of this young audience enters early adulthood and faces important life decisions, U.S. News predicts traffic growth from motivated millennials who seek credible information and guidance. As a website focused on rankings, research and consumer advice, U.S. News will continue to closely track their behavior and concerns, providing updates and insights along the way.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a multimedia publisher of news, consumer advice, rankings and analysis. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, www.usnews.com has earned a reputation as the leading provider of consumer advice and analysis that helps its readers make informed life decisions. U.S. News & World Report's signature franchise includes its "Best" series of consumer advice guides and publications that include rankings of colleges, hospitals, mutual funds, cars and more.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report