How to Obtain and Use Results of the Consumer Expenditure Survey: A Description of Tables, Microdata Files, and Data Quality

On March 20, 2014, I had the pleasure of addressing the annual meeting of the American Academy of Economic and Financial Experts as keynote speaker. The topic of my speech was how to obtain and use data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Not only did this presentation allow me the opportunity to describe this rich and useful source of data to an interested and appreciative audience, it allowed me the chance to do so for an audience in whose use of the data I have long been interested. For several years, I have been aware that these data have been used in legal matters, such as resolving wrongful death disputes, personal injury cases, family law, and other important matters. While I have occasionally happened upon sessions at conferences wherein someone from this field has presented such material, this event was my first opportunity to meet so many experts in this field at one time. The article is based on the speech that I delivered, with the hope that those readers who were unable to attend may benefit.

– The Author.