What We've Learned So Far About Savings

First in a Three-part Conference Call Series - Monday, October 30, 2006 at 2:00 pm EST

"Savings Behavior of Low and Moderate Income Households:  Evidence From a New Survey"

On this call, Michael Barr from the University of Michigan shared findings from his recently completed in-depth study of 1000 households in the Detroit metropolitan area focused on low- and moderate-income households.  The survey covered a range of topics including:  access to and use of banking services, debt and bankrupcy, EITC and tax refunds, among others.  The call looked at a range of findings about how lower-income households save, including mechanisms and opportunities best suited for encouraging greater savings behavior.

There was also a discussion of practical implications for grantmakers and practitioners to increase savings opportunities.