Title: CredAbility Consumer Distress Index for St. Louis, MO-IL (MSA) Series ID: CCDIOA41180Q156N Source: CredAbility Nonprofit Credit Counseling & Education Release: CredAbility Consumer Distress Index (Not a Press Release) Seasonal Adjustment: Not Seasonally Adjusted Frequency: Quarterly Units: Percent Date Range: 2005-01-01 to 2013-01-01 Last Updated: 2013-05-17 2:01 PM CDT Notes: Overview of the Index The Index is a quarterly comprehensive picture of the average American household’s financial condition. Built by assessing the key elements of financial health and distress, it converts a complex set of factors into a single, easy to understand number. Scope and History The index measures the U.S., all 50 states and more than 70 MSAs. The national and state versions date back to 1980 and the MSA versions date back to 1990. Public Data and Proprietary Methodology We use more than 65 data points from government, public and private data and a proprietary methodology for compiling, combining and evaluating data. With nearly 50 years of experience and insight into helping consumers in financial distress, we know the biggest causes of distress, how people react to financial challenges and proven strategies for regaining control. (Note: Our client data is not a data source for the Index) Measured on a 100 Point Scale Financial distress is measured on a 100 point scale and a score under 70 indicates financial distress. The lower the score equals more distress, a weaker financial position, more urgency to act, takes longer and is harder to resolve, and increases the probability of needing a third party help to resolve. The Index score is tied to one of 5 general rating categories, which reflect the strength and stability of the consumer’s position. Less than 60 Emergency / Crisis 60 – 69 Distressed / Unstable 70 – 79 Weakening / At-Risk 80 – 89 Good / Stable 90 and Above Excellent / Secure What Does the Index Measure? We measure the 5 categories of personal finance that reflect or lead to a secure, stable financial life—Employment, Housing, Credit, Household Budget and Net Worth. All are equally important, so have given each category equal weighting. Employment. Stable income is the foundation of any family’s finances. This category measures the impact of unemployment and underemployment on financial health. Key Measures: Unemployment, Underemployment Sample Data Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Housing. Safe, affordable housing is a priority for all families. This category measures how consumers are paying their mortgage/rent and the impact of housing costs on their finances. Key Measures: Mortgage and Rental Delinquencies, Housing as Percent of Budget Sample Data Source: National Delinquency Survey Credit. Responsible use of credit creates more borrowing options and lower costs. This category assesses the strength of credit scores and how well families manage their credit. Key Measures: Credit Scores, Trade Line Utilization, Credit Delinquencies, Per Capita Bankruptcies Sample Data Source: National Credit Bureau Household Budget. Spending less than you make is the daily choice that leads to long-term success. This category measures families’ spending patterns and saving for emergencies. Key Measures: Disposable Income, Savings, Consumer Confidence Sample Data Source: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis Net Worth. Strong, positive net worth creates options and independence. This category measures how well consumers are strengthening their personal balance sheets. Key Measures: Household Net Worth, Net Worth versus Funds Required for Long-Term Needs (e.g. retirement) Sample Data Source: Federal Reserve Flow of Funds, Survey of Consumer Finances DATE VALUE 2005-01-01 75.954859154626 2005-04-01 75.635183843925 2005-07-01 75.383608529857 2005-10-01 75.070557677141 2006-01-01 80.756951408920 2006-04-01 80.365939987528 2006-07-01 80.302674792855 2006-10-01 83.667887737131 2007-01-01 80.253382186969 2007-04-01 81.606917621147 2007-07-01 80.480776122718 2007-10-01 78.132192725216 2008-01-01 73.204053697932 2008-04-01 76.091915151547 2008-07-01 72.670911096931 2008-10-01 74.568943012248 2009-01-01 68.232648823392 2009-04-01 68.832180164835 2009-07-01 67.228223833419 2009-10-01 67.422276710182 2010-01-01 67.040416194623 2010-04-01 68.983806678062 2010-07-01 68.125132390400 2010-10-01 67.868825125804 2011-01-01 68.396544271330 2011-04-01 69.031237655123 2011-07-01 67.335441967055 2011-10-01 65.801234174858 2012-01-01 66.622161397366 2012-04-01 69.005397986416 2012-07-01 70.625720000000 2012-10-01 71.190267705604 2013-01-01 68.933022149060