Financial security – being able to meet basic needs, cope with unexpected events, build assets, and experience economic mobility – enables individuals and families to be full and active participants in society. Due to this, the financial security of households drives economic growth and shared prosperity. By understanding and evaluating policies that promote equity and financial security, the Social Policy Institute supports a future where individuals and families can achieve financial stability and experience upward social mobility.

The Social Policy Institute finds innovative and scalable solutions to support financial security of individuals and families through practice, policy, and institutional change.

Research projects vary from working with local community partners to implement behavioral interventions to analyzing the impact of nationwide policies, such as the 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit. Financial security research also includes identifying, implementing, and testing innovative financial technology program solutions, evaluating strategies to promote financial inclusion, and understanding the role that savings, credit, and debt play in driving household financial well-being. Through our Workforce Financial Stability Initiative (WFSI), we also examine the relationship between employer-level decisions around pay, scheduling, and benefits, and the financial security of low-wage and frontline workers.

 

Our Financial Security Initiatives

Latest Publications