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.

A stock image graphic
Publications

Innovations to Accelerate Rural Wealth Building  

Aspen FSP’s essential wealth metric is a new benchmark that measures how much wealth families need not just to survive, but to thrive. 

Colorado Essential Wealth Metric
Publications

Colorado Essential Wealth Metric

As part of our essential wealth metric project, Aspen FSP has collaborated closely with our partners at Gary Community Ventures to look specifically at the wealth of Coloradans.

North Stars in a Moment of Constraint
Blog Posts

North Stars in a Moment of Constraint

States working with the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program put forward a shared set of “North Stars” that define good public benefits delivery. Amid challenges to our benefits system, these North Stars are more important than ever.

Four panelists sit on a stage in front of an Aspen backdrop.
Blog Posts

How State and Local Governments Can Advance Early Wealth Building for All

With over 7 million Trump Accounts now opened, Aspen FSP offers practical steps that state, local, county, and Tribal governments can take to advance early wealth building for their residents.

Placeholder
Blog Posts

House Financial Services Committee Report Marks Major Progress—and Call to Action—on Scam Prevention

The House Financial Services Committee staff has published a new report on scam prevention, drawing on Aspen FSP’s research. Here’s how we can turn this momentum into action.

Our Events

Leadership Group on Scam Prevention: Aspen Convening
Economic Opportunity
Essential Wealth: Exploring a New Benchmark for Financial Security
Economic Opportunity
2026 Aspen Retirement Income and Affordability Lab
Economic Opportunity
Group photo of attendees at the 2026 Benefits Leadership Forum
Economic Opportunity

2026 Aspen Benefits Leadership Forum

| Chicago, Illinois

View Event

Two women sit on stage
Economic Opportunity

2026 Leadership Forum on Inclusive Finance

| Virginia

View Event

How to Build Wealth During an Affordability Crisis
Economic Opportunity
2026 Aspen Leadership Forum on Retirement Savings
Economic Opportunity
Two women stand on stage
Economic Opportunity

2025 Workers’ Wealth Lab

View Event

Tim Shaw speaks at a podium
Economic Opportunity

2025 Aspen Benefits Leadership Forum

| St. Louis, Missouri

View Event

United Against Fraud: How America Will Defeat Scams
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. 

Stay up to date with our latest news and events.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter