Project Implementation

In addition to conducting cutting-edge research, CFS also works with organizations providing consulting services on the implementation of their own projects.  Consulting projects we have worked on include:

Fdn_485AARP Foundation’s Financial Capability Project

AARP Foundation (AARPF) developed a unique program that offers financial education to lower-income adults ages 50-64, a population that appears to be underserved by existing financial education efforts. A pre-test post-test evaluation methodology was designed in which financial behaviors, including behaviors around spending, saving, budgeting, investing, handling debt, etc., were measured prior to training and at two follow-up time points. Results show that overall respondents in this study displayed positive and statistically significant changes in financial behavior and attitudes when comparing people to their responses before taking part in the program.

 

Logo_of_the_New_York_City_Department_of_Parks_&_Recreation.svgAssessing Financial Capability Outcomes (AFCO): NYC Parks Opportunity Program Direct Deposit Evaluation

Corporation for Enterprise Development/U.S. Department of the Treasury

10/11/11 – 3/27/14

This study measures the impacts of financial counseling on the bank account use and financial stability of individuals offered low-risk checking accounts and direct deposit of their paychecks as part of their participation in a transitional employment program, the NYC Parks Opportunity Program.  The study was funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and supported by the Corporation for Enterprise Development.  The results of this study show that integrating access to financial products and services is feasible at scale. The study saw a high take-up rate of bank accounts, which suggests that unbanked participants had a strong desire to become banked and would take advantage of an opportunity if offered an account that had agreeable terms and was easy to open.  Results suggest that embedding financial product offers and financial counseling into public programs can be an effective way to promote financial access and financial capability.