The Financial Health Network began conducting research in early 2021 to identify strategies employers can use to embed an equity lens into their benefits programs. HR leaders can use these early learnings to design and deliver programs and benefits that reduce financial health gaps among employees. 

This research was produced by the Financial Health Network in collaboration with BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative. ESI is a cross-sector program with a mission to help people living on low to moderate incomes gain access to and increase usage of proven savings strategies and tools – ultimately helping them establish an important safety net.

Family and friends are a major lifeline for justice-involved individuals, providing support and advice from pre-trial to post-release.

Once justice-involved individuals are released from jail or court, they are still not released from their financial obligations to the criminal justice system.

Once justice-involved individuals re-enter society, there are numerous barriers to gain employment that often force them to make difficult decisions.

After a family member or loved one is arrested, their households are forced to juggle financial responsibilities, including staggering bills and missing payments.

Justice-involved individuals and their families face a number of expenses that can create financial strains immediately after arrest, including posting bail and hiring legal representation.

Key Finding: Low- to moderate-income (LMI) frontline workers are less likely to be Financially Healthy than non-frontline LMI workers.

Since the last Pulse survey in August 2020, more people are struggling to afford healthcare, which may lead to long-term health consequences beyond those created directly by COVID-19.

Emerging 5G technology is expected to become commonplace. Uncover opportunities to leverage 5G to benefit your organization and your members.

Recent regulatory developments have opened opportunities for lenders – particularly banks – to offer small-dollar credit. Data shows that investing in customers’ financial health results in greater long-term loyalty and profitability. In this brief for financial institutions and other lenders, the Financial Health Network offers a series of recommendations for supporting the short and long-term financial wellness of small-dollar credit customers.

The places where people live, work, play, and worship are tightly tied to their ability to be resilient during unexpected challenges and to seize opportunities over time. This brief highlights the role of place in financial health, as well as the opportunity for place-based solutions to improve the financial lives of residents and communities.