Alpha Consumer Quiz: Answers

1) How much credit card debt does the average consumer carry?

B) $1,700

According to TransUnion, average credit card debt per consumer rose 4.8 percent during the fourth quarter of 2007, bringing the total to $1,700.

2) Which state has the highest average credit card debt?

A) Alaska

TransUnion reports that Alaska consumers carry the largest state average, with $2,342 in credit card debt. (Tennessee is a close second with $2,046. The lowest average debt is in Iowa, with $1,272.)

3) What share of consumers reports spending $200 or more on gas for cars each month?

C) 35 percent

Discover's U.S. Spending Monitor surveyed consumers and reports that nearly 36 percent have to spend $200 or more a month to fill up their tanks. Last year, only 23 percent had to spend that much.

4) How much has the price of milk increased over the past year?

D) 14 percent

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 14 percent increase since April 2007.

5) What about butter?

D) 9 percent

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that prices of food eaten at home have climbed, including 9 percent for butter.