California Survey of Household Finance

Mother holding baby while sitting at a desk reviewing bills

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The California Survey of Household Finance is aimed at understanding how adults across the state manage their finances within and outside of the traditional banking system. Undertaken by RAND on behalf of the California State Treasurer’s Office, data from the California Survey of Household Finance will help state leaders better understand the challenges that residents face in managing their money and, in turn, inform efforts to develop programs and policies that can promote economic security for all Californians.

The survey is being administered to a representative sample of state residents between January and April of 2024, with options to complete the survey via the web or in-person interviews. Results from the survey will be made available to the public in July of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were you invited to participate in the survey and need more information about the study? If so, see our list of frequently asked questions below. If you have a question that is not included on the list, please contact the RAND research team by calling us toll free at 1-888-846-1197 or emailing us at financesurvey@rand.org.

  • How long will it take me to complete the survey?

    This survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Depending on your responses, it may take you more or less time.

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  • What do I get for participating in the survey?

    To thank you for completing the survey, we will mail you a pre-paid $20 VISA gift card.

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  • How was my household selected for this survey?

    We randomly selected your address from a list of all addresses in the state of California.

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  • What is RAND?

    RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute based in Santa Monica, California. We are not affiliated with any political party or special interest group. RAND has partnered with the California State Treasurer’s Office to create this survey.

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  • How can I be sure the survey invitation is not a scam?

    You may call our toll free number 1-888-846-1197 or email us at financesurvey@rand.org.

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  • I would like to call the California State Treasurer’s Office directly to verify the legitimacy of this study. What number should I call?

    To speak directly with someone at the California State Treasurer’s office, please call (916) 767-3863, mention this study’s name, “The California Survey of Household Finance,” and ask to speak to Cassandra DiBenedetto.

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  • Will my individual survey answers be shared with the California State Treasurer’s Office or any other part of the government?

    Yes, but only your answers will be shared. They will not receive any of your personal information so no one in the government will know who gave the answers.

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  • Is it safe to provide my information online?

    Yes. Information collected in the questionnaire is encrypted at all times.

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  • Will my privacy be protected?

    Yes. The information that you provide will be de-identified, which means that it will not be connected to your name or other personal information.

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