Research Paper

    Seven Pain-Points in the Consumer Financial Data Ecosystem: Priorities for the CFPB’s Rulemaking Under §1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act

    Seven Pain-Points in the Consumer Financial Data Ecosystem: Priorities for the CFPB’s Rulemaking Under §1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act

    Consumer’s ability to access and electronically share their financial data has already demonstrated considerable financial health benefits. But our research among consumers, their financial app providers and data aggregators reveals seven “pain points” impeding data access and preventing consumers from sending their data where it can do them the greatest good. The Bureau’s pending rulemaking under Section 1033 of Dodd Frank can best serve financial health by incorporating a few basic principles that will enshrine consumers’ data access rights.

    Financial Health of Workers in Low-wage Jobs

    Financial Health of Workers in Low-wage Jobs

    Our findings suggest that investing in the financial health of workers in low-wage jobs – defined as earning up to $17 per hour in hourly wages or up to $35,360 per year in annual wages – can be an effective strategy for employers to ensure a stable and productive workforce.

    The Gender Gap in Financial Health

    The Gender Gap in Financial Health

    The Financial Health Network’s research has consistently shown a sizable gap in the financial health of men and women. Moreover, recent data found that while financial health improved overall for the country during the pandemic, the gap between men and women actually widened.

    2021 Advance Child Tax Credit

    2021 Advance Child Tax Credit

    Direct government payments can provide meaningful support for the financial health of households. In the case of the 2021 expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), advance CTC payments reduced monthly child poverty by nearly 30%, according to research from Columbia University.

    FinHealth Spend Report 2022

    FinHealth Spend Report 2022

    This year’s annual FinHealth Spend Report examines how households in America managed their finances and accessed credit during the second year of the pandemic, analyzing year-over-year trends for more than two dozen financial products and services.

    Preventing Medical Debt: Recommendations for Insurers

    Preventing Medical Debt: Recommendations for Insurers

    This report shows how the shifting health insurance landscape has helped shape the medical debt crisis, identifying specific actions insurers should take now to boost Americans’ confidence in their coverage and motivate them to pursue timely care that reduces the need for costlier services.

    Preventing Medical Debt From Disrupting Health and Financial Health

    Preventing Medical Debt From Disrupting Health and Financial Health

    As the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., medical debt impacts the financial lives of millions of vulnerable Americans each year. There are a number of immediate actions for healthcare stakeholders – including hospitals and health systems, insurers, and employers – to take to prevent medical debt and its devastating impacts. By working to prevent medical debt, organizations can support consumer health and well-being while also strengthening loyalty, trust, and community reputation.