Financial Security Program

The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program works to ensure that households in America can afford everyday life, save for rainy days, and build enough wealth to achieve their dreams. Because when families are financially stable and secure, they increase their well-being—and that of their communities, too.

The transformational change we seek—to make financial security for all a top national priority—requires innovation, trust, and leadership across all sectors and systems. We help build the relationships and networks that enable this change through deep, deliberate dialogues and evidence-based research.

The Challenge

Widespread financial insecurity is among the most urgent crises facing the United States. Aspen FSP is tackling this crisis head-on.

55%

Of households lack the necessary savings to weather a simultaneous income drop and expense spike.

51%

Of U.S. households have expenses that are equal to or greater than their income.

Together with public, private, nonprofit, and community leaders, we are illuminating and solving the most critical financial challenges facing American households today. Join with us to create paths to prosperity that everyone can access.

Our Priorities

To help people at all income levels achieve financial security, we focus on three key areas.

Financial Stability

Everyone should be able to comfortably afford everyday life and withstand shocks.

Wealth and Ownership

Everyone should be able to save, invest, and own assets that grow in value over time and build long-term financial security.

Financial Systems

Everyone should be able to rely on a well-designed, well-run set of financial products, services, and infrastructure that make their financial lives efficient, seamless, and safe.

Financial Security Program

Latest Posts

Get the latest news and insights from the Financial Security Program.

Ariana Arana speaks on a panel.
Blog Posts

Young People Are Not Just the Future—They Are the Present

Ariana Arana Bermudez reflects on her first year as part of Aspen FSP’s Community Advisory Group and the role of young adults in advancing financial security.

The six members of Aspen FSP's Community Advisory Group pose with Aspen Institute staff.
Blog Posts

Dignity, Trust, and Legacy: What Aspen FSP’s Community Advisory Group Has Taught Me

Since 2021, Aspen FSP and our Community Advisory Group have worked to forefront lived experience of financial insecurity across our research and convenings. Learn how in this reflection by Riani Carr.

Blog Posts

A Blueprint for Action: Lessons from the National Strategy to Prevent Scams with Nick Bourke

In this Q&A with Aspen FSP Fellow Nick Bourke, we go behind the scenes of National Task Force to Prevent Fraud and Scams and how it led to the an actionable strategy for multi-sector action.

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Publications

Families Need Wealth. But How Much Is Essential?

Attaining a baseline of security, mobility, and well-being requires wealth. But exactly how much is needed? This brief aims to offer a path toward greater empirical understanding of what constitutes essential wealth and how to measure it.

Blog Posts

Why We Need a Baby Bonds Learning Community Now More than Ever

Early wealth building leaders want to share lessons, coordinate strategies, and deepen the evidence base necessary to take Baby Bonds to scale.

Our Events

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Economic Opportunity

2025 Workers’ Wealth Lab

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Tim Shaw speaks at a podium
Economic Opportunity

2025 Aspen Benefits Leadership Forum

| St. Louis, Missouri

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Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
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Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity

2025 Aspen Leadership Forum on Retirement Savings

| Charlottesville, VA

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Economic Opportunity

Stay Connected

Join our work to build financial security for all.

Learn more about how you can support Aspen’s Financial Security Program through a philanthropic grant, tax-deductible gift, or event sponsorship. 

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