Financial Security for Rising Generations

Young adulthood is a critical time in a person’s life. We identify the supports and solutions that set up rising generations for a life of financial security.

Young adulthood is a formative period both personally and financially. When young people have financial stability, affordable and effective educational and career onramps, and developmentally appropriate support and guidance, they have the foundation for lifelong financial security. But today,  at least half of young people in the United States do not have secure access to these resources and opportunities, which has long-term costs and consequences for them, their families and communities, and the prosperity and well-being of our country.

Across our priority areas, Aspen FSP works to build systems that help rising generations financially thrive. Our efforts include improving benefits delivery, identifying new models for college affordability, and scaling early wealth building accounts.

What We Do

Through our research and multi-sector partnerships, we are exploring solutions that can help young adults build financial stability and grow wealth over time.

Understanding What Young Adults Need for Financial Success

Learn what financial security means for young adults and what allows them to experience it now and in later adulthood.

Improving Financial Stability for Young Adults

Read our report to understand the challenges young adults face as they navigate the U.S. public benefits system.

Advancing Wealth-Building Career Pathways

Young adults need access to affordable and effective postsecondary educational and training opportunities, as well as labor market on-ramps that will lead to wealth-building careers in adulthood.

Boosting Momentum for Universal Early Wealth Building

Learn about our work to support universal access to early wealth building accounts.

Helping Young Adults Thrive

Latest Posts

Get the latest on our young adult financial security work.

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.

Lessons From Down Under: What Australia’s Retirement System Really Teaches Us About Trump Accounts and Social Security
Blog Posts

Lessons From Down Under: What Australia’s Retirement System Really Teaches Us About Trump Accounts and Social Security

Australia has become the go-to example for those arguing that America should rethink retirement. Here’s why that argument is incomplete.

Placeholder
Publications

Built for the Next Generation: Young Adult Perspectives on Federal Early Wealth Building Policy

Given 530A Accounts implementation and continued momentum on other early wealth building programs, Aspen FSP and GRO Fund are elevating young adults’ unique perspectives.

From Band-Aids to Stepping Stones: How We Can Rebuild Young Adults’ Trust in Public Benefit Systems
Blog Posts

From Band-Aids to Stepping Stones: How We Can Rebuild Young Adults’ Trust in Public Benefit Systems

Young adults today are coming of age in a volatile economic and political environment. We spoke with 12 young people about how they are navigating the transition to adulthood and what it means for public trust more broadly.

A cartoon graphic of women at computers.

Investing in Youth

Roundtables: Philanthropic Strategies to Support Youth and Young Adult Financial Well-Being

Cohosted by Aspen FSP and the Asset Funders Network, this 2024 discussion series consisted of four member-only, virtual roundtable discussions about the financial well-being of youth and young adults. These discussions are informal, small-group, member-only spaces curated to share promising strategies, voice challenges, and shape how we think about current and future investments to support youth and young adult financial well-being.

Stay Connected

Join our work to build financial security for all.

Learn more about how you can support the Aspen Institute 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