Presentation The Two Worlds of Personal Finance: Implications for promoting the Economic Well-Being of Low- and Moderate-Income Families
Robert I. Lerman, C. Eugene Steuerle
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There are two worlds of personal finance: mainstream vs. low-income personal finance. The former focuses on savings and investment, the latter (for those with low or moderate incomes) on asset building and benefits, such as Social Security. Current pension and housing subsidies are weighted toward higher-income people, and may even discourage saving among the less well off. Many low- and middle-income households do not receive financial advice on when to retire, how to arrange Social Security benefits, and homeownership, despite these being their most important retirement decisions.
Research Areas Aging and retirement Wealth and financial well-being
Tags Social Security Economic well-being Older workers Inequality and mobility
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population