For many Americans, the end-of-year bonus was either small or nonexistent in 2024. We survey 999 U.S. respondents, finding out that 55% of workers did not receive a bonus last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among those who did, nearly 40% received $1,000 or less, and only a small percentage (5.6%) received over $10,000. Let’s explore the insights we gain and how they’re relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Findings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonuses provided a financial boost for some, but most recipients reported that their 2024 bonus was about the same as previous years. However, 24.5% received a higher-than-usual bonus, offering some relief amid economic uncertainty. Workers strategically allocated their bonuses, with a near-even split between savings, debt relief, investments, and essential spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The share of bonuses going toward paying bills increased by 1 percentage point compared to previous years, while discretionary spending on wants dropped by nearly 2 percentage points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The survey revealed that more than half (55%) of workers did not receive a bonus<\/strong> in 2024. Among the 45% who did, the majority (39.4%) received $1,000 or less<\/strong>, while only 5.6% received more than $10,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus Distribution:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While bonuses were generally consistent with past years, 24.5% of recipients saw an increase in their bonus<\/strong>. But most workers continued to allocate their bonuses strategically, with essential expenses taking priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of workers (55%) did not receive a bonus in 2024. More than half of them (51%) never receive bonuses, while 32% had not received one for several years. Nearly one-third of these individuals (31%) indicated they could have really used the extra money, underscoring financial strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite this, 28% said they were not particularly bothered by the absence of a bonus. However, frustration remained evident\u201417.6% felt they worked hard and deserved one, while 8.2% said their regular pay was too low to expect a bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With bonuses being modest or absent for most, consumers had to carefully plan their holiday spending. The majority (39.1%) budgeted for shopping within the holiday months, while 28.2% saved throughout the year. However, 31% of shoppers did not make any financial plans, highlighting a mix of preparedness and impulse spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite economic challenges, 70% of consumers spent the same or more on holiday shopping journey<\/a> compared to 2023. The top reason? Rising costs, cited by 38.6% of respondents. However, sentimentality also played a role\u2014many shoppers justified their spending by emphasizing the joy of giving (22.9%) and holiday traditions (21.6%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, 32% of consumers cut back on holiday spending, with the top reasons being high prices (45.3%) and personal financial strain (36.5%). Additionally, 32.1% of shoppers expressed the need to save more due to economic uncertainty, reinforcing a cautious financial outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Bonuses Were Limited, and Most Were Modest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bonus Amount Received<\/th> Percentage of Recipients<\/th><\/tr> $1,000 or under<\/td> 39.4%<\/td><\/tr> $1,001 – $2,500<\/td> 21.2%<\/td><\/tr> $2,501 – $5,000<\/td> 17.1%<\/td><\/tr> $5,001 – $10,000<\/td> 13.0%<\/td><\/tr> $10,001 or more<\/td> 5.6%<\/td><\/tr> Unsure<\/td> 3.7%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n For Those Without Bonuses, Financial Pressures Were Mounting<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Holiday Shopping: A Balancing Act Between Joy and Cost Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n