Survey of Consumer Finances, 1986

This is the second in a series of triennial Surveys of Consumer Finances begun in 1983. Surveys of Consumer Finances were conducted annually from 1946 through 1971 and again in 1977. The 1986 survey was designed primarily to update essential information such as household balance sheet and employment data for family units in the sample. Limited information was solicited on the disposition of assets, purchase and sale of homes, and major expenditures for health, durables, charity, and education. Data were also collected to compute savings for the sample households over the period 1983-1986. In addition, the 1986 survey added new lines of inquiry to explore the broad role of the family in economic behavior. Substantial new information was collected on gifts made or received by the household. Data were also gathered on the sharing of living quarters over the previous three years. Information on income and on marital and employment history for those three years was recorded as well.