Through independent research and innovation, the Filene Research Institute explores issues vital to the future of credit unions and consumer finance.
This brief highlights the role policymakers can take in easing the financial lives of financially tenuous citizens, but credit unions with members or potential members in the same straits can take a more immediate role by making sure that, for all its popularity, cash is only one of several good options for low-income households.
More ...categories » Economic Issues - Credit Unions, Lending, Limited Income Households, Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Market Research, Young Adults and Families
In 1986, the bottom 50% of earners (over 70 Million) took home 17% of the nation’s income. By 2007, they took home only 12%, Meanwhile the top 1% of earners now accounts for 23% of America’s income. A brute fact is that half of Americans are struggling, scrimping, and often being swallowed in our modern economy. Furthermore, half of America needs a financial institution they can trust.
More ...categories » Limited Income Households
Want to help members? Here’s one more simple way. Tax assistance programs are becoming an increasingly popular option for credit unions to offer to their members and the communities they serve. Financially beneficial services such as these are a vital part of our economic recovery.
More ...categories » Human Resource Issues, Limited Income Households