Two Simple (And Unusual) Ways To Help American Families Build Emergency Savings
The importance of emergency savings is well-documented. According to research published in January 2020 by Bankrate, four out of 10 Americans would need to borrow money to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. Or, to put it another way, many low-income American families lack the savings to cover one month’s worth of living expenses. Read the […]
Heidi Johnson Helps Older, Low-Income People Manage Their Money
So many research studies about Americans’ personal finances focus on affluent adults and their retirement savings. But Heidi Johnson, director of behavioral economics for the nonprofit Financial Health Network, has put a spotlight on the money challenges of low- and moderate-income people 50 and older. More specifically: how financial institutions and personal finance apps often […]
‘A tale of two Americas’: How the pandemic is widening the financial health gap
Over two-thirds of Americans are financially unhealthy, with millions facing “extreme financial hardship,” according to the U.S. Financial Health Pulse Trends Report, released today. And as the stock market continues to strengthen, the average American is still struggling, with unemployment rates still far above pre-pandemic highs and another round of coronavirus stimulus seemingly far off. Read the Article >>
How To Cope If The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Stretched Your Finances To The Limit
Americans say they’re saving money. Retail spending is up. Low interest rates have sparked the housing market and the stock market has rebounded from its initial pandemic dive. Read the Article >>
Educating the Next Generation: Using KPIs to Assess the Impact of Student Financial Education Programs
The Financial Health Network partnered with Michigan State University Credit Union (MSUFCU) to analyze its financial education programming for high school and college students, revealing some signs of positive impact on business outcomes and the students’ financial health.
Borrowing Opportunity: Using KPIs to Track Small-Dollar Lending Success
In this case study, we highlight our evaluation of Nusenda Credit Union’s small-dollar lending program, highlighting the positive impact on its participants and the business.
EMERGE Backstage: Bankers as a Social Engine for Good
Hear from Sunrise Banks Chairman and CEO David Reiling as he discusses the Twin Cities-based bank’s efforts to support the urgent needs of its customers during a poignant last few months.
Small Dollar Credit and Financial Health: A Policy Perspective
The Financial Health Network wrote this Policy Perspective that draws on our past small-dollar credit work to inform the conversation around recent regulatory actions.
Over 33 Million Americans Lost Their Job During the Pandemic
Optimism is high among workers that they can return to their pre-pandemic jobs, but economists warn over 40 percent of job losses could become permanent. Read the Article >>
Checks Won’t Cut It: Getting COVID-19 Relief To The Most Vulnerable
In all likelihood, the federal government will be sending out tens of millions of paper checks in the coming weeks and months to those who qualify for aid under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Read the Article >>
Corona and Your Personal Finances: What You Need to Know
“The requirements of social distancing will impact the vast majority of workers, resulting in layoffs, furloughs and hour reductions,” Says Rob Levy, vice president of the Financial Health Network. Read the Article >>
How to Build an Emergency Fund in the Middle of an Emergency
“The answer can’t be to do nothing,” said John Thompson, chief program officer of the Financial Health Network, a nonprofit focused on financial innovation. Read the Article >>