
What We Do / Research
Savings
Helping Americans Achieve Financial Opportunities
In July 2014, a Federal Reserve study concluded that the majority of Americans could not afford an unexpected $400 expense unless they borrowed money or sold assets (Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2013, July 2014).
But how can consumers save money when they are struggling to cover monthly expenses?
For over ten years, CFSI has been innovating to answer this question, and we believe the answer lies in a holistic approach. By supporting the design of quality saving products coupled with financial education, CFSI aims to influence consumers’ daily financial behaviors.
To this end, CFSI has conducted research to understand behaviors and approaches in savings and funded new product and digital offerings to help consumers save.
Savings Innovation
Savings is an essential part of consumer financial health. Putting money aside for the future can help consumers manage liquidity challenges, cover unexpected expenses and reach long-term financial goals. Consumers who have a planned savings habit are four times more likely to be financially healthy than those who do not, according to CFSI’s ground-breaking examination of consumer behaviors.
Savings
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Redesigning the Financial Roadmap for the LMI 50+ Segment
Using data from the U.S. Financial Health Pulse, CFSI identifies five challenges for the LMI 50+ and opportunities for providers to support this fast-growing segment.
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Preparing for Tomorrow by Fixing Today
In this report, CFSI looks at long-term savings and beyond to understand how day-to-day financial challenges of LMI pre-retirees and retirees are getting in the way of their long-term...
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Amy Cox Household Profile: Living Paycheck to Paycheck
U.S. Financial Diaries Case study: Amy Cox is a white 34-year-old single mother of two. She lives with her children, Hailey, 9, and Andy, 8, near Cincinnati, OH. A...
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Secured Credit Cards: Military and Veteran Service Members
Secured credit cards can limit service members’ financial vulnerabilities.
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Secured Credit Cards: Rural, Underserved Communities
Americans in rural communities are losing access to locally available, affordable financial services and products.
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Secured Credit Cards: People of Color
A long history of discrimination and wealth-stripping has caused African Americans, Hispanics, and other people of color to have lower credit scores, less wealth, and less trust in the...
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Secured Credit Cards: Establishing a Path for New Immigrants
Secured credit cards can be an effective way to build U.S. credit history and thereby access affordable credit products and fully benefit from inclusion in the U.S. financial system.
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Employee Financial Health
This paper addresses how employers can develop robust employee financial health strategies. By supporting the financial well-being of their workers, employers have the ability to promote staff engagement, improve...
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Financial Health and Community College Students
Understanding the three prominent financial health challenges that community college students face and how those students can improve their financial health through choosing and using quality products and services.
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Global Financial Health Framework
This paper expands upon CFSI's initial financial health research and applies it to a global setting.
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