Money Stats

Some interesting money stats that were quoted in my church's sermon this past week: (from the book, Passing the Plateby Christian Smith.)

• At least 1 out of 5 American Christians (20% of all U.S. Christians) give literally nothing to their church.
• The median American Christian gives only 0.62% of their income to charity.
• In 2005, Americans spent $27.9 billion on candy.
• In 2004, Americans spent $92.9 billion on soda & bottled water, & in 2005 spent $59.4 billion on jewelry & watches.
• Americans spend over $200 billion on entertainment products (TV’s, iPods, video games, etc.) each year.
• Americans spend over $300 billion on pets, toys, and playground equipment for their children each year.
• In 2004, Americans spent $30.5 billion on consumer (not business or government) domestic air travel & $48.3 billion on travel & tourism abroad.
• In 2005, American consumers spent $24.1 billion on DVD’s (not counting VHS rentals and purchases).
• In 2004, Americans spent $29.7 billion in sporting goods stores.
• In 2003, Americans spent $45 billion in state lotteries.
• Americans spend more than $100 billion per year on fast food.
• Between 1978 and 2005, the average square footage of new, single family houses in the United States rose from 1,750 to 2,414 square feet – a 40% increase.
• The average American spends $372 per year on alcohol.
• The average Christian gives $200 per year to charity.
• If committed Christians in the U.S. gave 10% of their after-tax income, an extra $46 billion per year of resources with which to fund needs and priorities would be available. 
• 97% of Christian respondents said they either never, or hardly ever discussed finances with members of their church.