Research and Advocacy

Why Assets Matter

When individuals work toward building assets and eliminating debt, they can increase their economic security, expand options for themselves and family members, and build opportunities and success for future generations. Asset building can also help improve individuals’ social and psychological health and increase civic participation. Creating opportunities for low-income families to build and maintain assets can be critical in increasing economic inclusion and equality.

How to Use Research to Advocate for Economic Justice and Inclusion

Using the studies listed here and other research on asset building and economic equality can help activists, community-based organizations, policymakers, and others advocate for the creation and expansion of programs that enable low-income people to save for the future, create lasting wealth, and understand how to be financially savvy and responsible. Including a wider range of people in the mainstream economy can be beneficial to all.