Diversions September 5, 2013

What Else Do We Do During College Football?

A recent survey by the Big Ten Network revealed factoids about the multi-tasking fans do while watching college football.
Reported by

Almost nine in 10 (86%) Americans are likely to be doing more than just watching college football game. Snacking (63%) and napping (34%) are top activities. Screaming at the TV comes in a close third (31%).

If they can’t be at the game, 62% of Americans prefer to watch a college football game at home. Almost a third (30%) of Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 who do go out prefer to go to a friend’s house to watch a game. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan adviser news.

Americans are superstitious about their football, but as they get older, they become less superstitious about games. Among American adults who consider themselves extremely superstitious about football when it comes to supporting their teams, the percentages are as follows: 31% of those ages 18 to 24; 29% of those 25 to 34; 28% of those 35 to 44; and 18% of those 45 to 54.

The survey of 1,000 American adults also found that fans like to engage in behaviors they think will encourage their team. More than half (53%) say they wear certain clothes or shoes to help their favorite team beat their opponents, while 40% feel looking away from the screen sometimes helped their team win.

Football in general remains the most popular sport on television or in person, adds a report by the Economist/YouGov, with 44% of those surveyed saying they follow football at whatever level of play. That’s the same as ice hockey (15%), basketball (19%) and golf (10%) combined. Only 31% said they follow baseball, though 36% said they follow no sport at all.

Data & Research September 4, 2013

When in Distress, Nothing Beats a Pro

A poll of consumer preferences found that consumers in financial distress most prefer reaching out to a qualified professional.
Reported by

Almost half of respondents (45%) indicated they would contact a certified financial professional, according to a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Fewer would turn to online education, a financial self-help tool or attend a financial workshop. 

Survey respondents answered the question, “If I were having financial trouble, for help resolving it I would most likely…”

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan adviser news.

  • Reach out to a certified financial professional (44%);  
  • Take advantage of online resources related to my concern (35%);
  • Utilize a financial self-assessment tool to help pinpoint the problem (17%); or
  • Attend a group workshop related to my concern (3%). 

The website offered examples of different options for financial advice and education available from NFCC member agencies, such as one-on-one financial reviews either in-person, by phone or online, from an individual carrying the NCFP designation (NFCC Certified Financial Professionals).  

Other options are:

  • MyMoneyCheckUp, the NFCC’s free financial self-assessment tool, available at www.MyMoneyCheckUp.org or on the NFCC website at www.DebtAdvice.org ;   
  • Group workshops, offered through NFCC member agencies, at community events or on-site for employees of local companies.    

“Regardless of which option someone selects, the important thing is to take that first step, because financial distresses rarely resolve themselves,” said Gail Cunningham, a spokesperson for the NFCC. “The path to finding the appropriate solution can be as varied as the financial concern itself.”

The NFCC’s August Financial Literacy Opinion Index surveyed 794 individuals online between August 1 and August 31 using the homepage of the organization’s website.

«