Statement on Racial Discrimination and Recent Protests
We unequivocally condemn any and all forms of racism and discrimination, and we recognize the pain and trauma being inflicted on our black colleagues and communities.
In Their Words: What Older Adults Struggling Financially Need
Despite the recent stimulus, increased vaccinations, and gathering momentum of reopenings across the country, millions are still struggling with their financial health. Ongoing economic uncertainty, job loss, and physical health concerns have caused many to shift financial priorities just to stay afloat. In the Financial Health Network’s latest…
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 […]
Measurement matters in improving financial health
The majority of people in America expect their primary financial institutions to help them improve their financial health, yet only 14% “agree strongly” that they are actually receiving this service. This gap in expectations is a prime opportunity for credit unions to be on the forefront of financial health and to compete effectively by addressing […]
54% of Americans Worry About Expenses Tied to Coronavirus—Here’s How to Cut Medical Costs If You Get Sick
Over half, 54%, of Americans say they’re not financially prepared to handle a contagious disease like coronavirus that may limit their ability to work for a few weeks, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of Prudential of just over 2,000 U.S. adults. Read the Article >>
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 >>
5 Myths About High-Yield Savings Accounts During COVID-19
Last year’s savings rates of 2% and higher have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean high-yield savings accounts disappeared. “There are high-yield savings accounts out there, but it’s all relative,” says Mike Schenk, chief economist for the Credit Union National Association. 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.