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Journal Article
Tax-time Savings: An Antidote to Financial Insecurity
The value proposition of ?What It?s Worth? is the opportunity, working collaboratively between the public, nonprofit and private sectors, to address the growing economic insecurity and financial stability plaguing a growing number of Americans. The results of countless polls and surveys evidence the financial uncertainty facing the least advantaged in our economy. The aftermath of the Great Recession and the loss of assets for many, combined with reduced job security, downward pressure on wages, and higher out-of-pocket health expenses are some of the drivers behind this insecurity.
Journal Article
First accounts: a U.S. Treasury Department program to expand access to financial institutions
In 2002, there were almost 56 million individuals in the U.S. who did not have either a savings or checking account at a bank or other traditional financial institution. Additionally, over 83 percent of families without a bank account earn under $25,000. These families often use alternative financial services, including check cashing, payday loans, refund anticipation loans, and others, that provide convenience at high cost. A 2004 report estimated that these alternative financial services handled 280 million transactions, generating $78 billion in fee revenue. As a result, ?unbanked? ...