Assets Theory

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While a number of studies have used asset indicators to provide a richer characterization of who the poor are, this paper concentrates on approaches that use asset information in conjunction with insights from economic theory to gain additional insight into why the poor are poor and whether their material situation is likely change over time. The paper also argues that the same analytical devices that permit insight into these questions can be used for the design of durable and cost-effective… more

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This report in the series, “Determinants of Asset Building,” provides a policy-oriented conceptual framework that has the potential to explain saving and asset accumulation across the entire population and to account for the low levels of saving and asset accumulation in the low-income population. The report also reviews empirical evidence that supports or challenges this framework.

This report synthesizes current research and other available information on the assets and liabilities of low-income households into a variety of portraits. These data allow practitioners and researchers to begin to form a comprehensive representation of the balance sheets of low-income households and sets the stage for future research and policy discussion around the finances of low-income households.

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In addition to this work, Demos is conducting research on the growth of personal debt over the last decade with a focus on low- and middle-income family credit card debt. This research will be used to promote a policy agenda aimed at renewing consumer protections through the establishment of a national usury law and policies to prevent deceptive industry practices. Demos has launched a Debt and Assets Clearinghouse, which provides comprehensive information on credit cards, debt, and asset protection issues.… more

The LEED Program identifies, analyses and disseminates innovative ideas relating to local development and the social economy. Highlighting asset building as a ?social innovation? LEED has published a paper detailing the concept of asset building and the progress that has been made in implementing policies and programs throughout the world. This paper also poses key questions for this social innovation and provide suggestions for moving the asset-building concept forward. OECD?s focus on education issues includes providing data and policy guides… more

In addition to the Asset Building program, New America also hosts a retirement security program, headed up by Michael Calabrese and Maya MacGuineas. New America?s Retirement Security program studies, designs, and advocates reforms to expand pension coverage, particularly for lower-income workers, with the goal of creating a universal and completely portable system of saving accounts that benefits employees and employers alike. The program also researches and proposes new ways to update Social Security through reforms designed to increase retirement flexibility,… more

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