1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated November 30, 2020Introduction to U.S. Economy: Personal IncomeWhat Is Income? Income is a measure of resources accruing to an individual over a period of time. In general, individuals receive income from their labor, assets, and government transfers. In its br
2、oadest terms, income is a measure of the maximum amount of goods and services an individual can consume in a given period without diminishing their net worth (the difference between their assets and liabilities) at the end of the period. Income is measured over a period of time. In contrast, net wor
3、th is measured at a given point in time. Measures of Income There are two prominent sources of data on personal income in the United States: the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the Census Bureau. Although both agencies attempt to measure personal income, their definitions of income and how the
4、y collect data differ significantly. The BEA has a broader measure of income that includes both money income (e.g., wages and salary) and nonmoney income (in-kind benefits such as employer-sponsored health care, housing, or meals). BEA data are generally reported at the aggregate level (e.g., econom
