Financial Security Program

The Aspen 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.

Blog Posts Videos

Video: How Can Renters Grow Their Wealth?

All households deserve to build–and sustain–the wealth they need to thrive. But when home equity is the largest source of wealth for most Americans, how do renters gain assets? This video spotlights the current state of renters’ wealth and calls on leaders across sectors to come together and co-create solutions that expand renters’ wealth-building pathways.

July 7, 2025

Blog Posts

How Work and Savings Penalties Block Financial Security and Economic Mobility

Work and savings penalties prevent the economic mobility of millions of workers. Learn more about how employers are working to address these barriers.

June 17, 2025

Genevieve Melford sits in the Ideas 20 letters on the Aspen campus.
Blog Posts

It’s Time to Connect Financial Security and Economic Policy

Aspen FSP Managing Director Genevieve Melford looks to the future of financial security work and economic policy.

June 11, 2025

Karen Biddle Andres and Jason Ewas present at a forum.
Blog Posts

Lessons from Expert Roundtables on Designing an Effective Early Wealth Building Policy

Aspen FSP recently convened a series of roundtables on early wealth building policy. Here’s what we’ve learned.

June 9, 2025

Blog Posts

Bringing Together a Thanksgiving Table to Solve Financial Insecurity

Co-Executive Director, Joanna Smith-Ramani reflects on 10 years of Aspen FSP.

May 14, 2025

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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