TOOLS & INDEXES PUBLICATION INDEX
Economic (In)Security: The Experience of African-American and Latino Middle Classes, February 2008
The Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP) and Dēmos released a second report in the By A Thread report series on the state of the African-American and Latino middle class and its ability to achieve the American Dream. This landmark study is based on the new "Middle Class Security Index." Major findings demonstrate that three out of four African-American and four out of five Latino middle class families are either borderline or at high risk of falling out of the middle class altogether.
By A Thread: The New Experience of America's Middle Class, November 2007
When we think of the middle class, we think of having financial security, raising a family with a reasonable standard of living, building a solid future for the next generation, receiving quality healthcare, and retiring in comfort. This type of security does not just happen. Rather, it is supported by a range of factors.
By a Thread recommends a set of policies that will help open access to, and strengthen, America's middle class. Legislative proposals in this report cover a range of important issues affecting American households, including asset building and debt reduction, making higher education more accessible and affordable, and addressing the healthcare crisis.
Northwest Jacksonville Community Asset Analysis, June 2007
The Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP) embarked on a partnership in 2006 with the War on Poverty Florida Inc. (WPI) to apply the asset development model in ten Florida minority communities. A comprehensive assessment of qualitative and quantitative data and utilization of GIS mapping software has culminated in the recently released Northwest Jacksonville Community Asset Analysis. This analysis serves as a research-based catalyst within the War on Poverty's vision of progress for minority communities.
The Asset Opportunity Ladder November 2006
The Asset Opportunity Ladder charts the many policies that can impact the ability to build assets over a lifetime. At each life stage innovative state and federal policies can aid in creating an asset foundation, strengthening human capacities, and building financial wealth. The gains extend not only to the social and economic well-being of individuals and their families, but also benefit the larger community and the economy.
Pathways to Getting Ahead, September 2003
This publication is targeted to young adults, and aims to spur thinking about the importance of asset building in their personal lives and about how larger policy decisions impact the choices they make. Young adults can use it as a reference on their own, or with help from an instructor, counselor, or mentor. The publication is a joint project with the Public and Community Affairs Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
The Asset Index: Assessing the Progress of States in Promoting Economic Security and Opportunity, September 2002
This report presents a state-by-state comparative study of key assets that all Americans need to succeed in today's economy. The 39 indicators of job-based and related income assets, human capital, and financial assets speak to the economic security people have and the opportunity they enjoy. Together they paint a multi-faceted portrait of the progress individuals have made in building assets in different regions of the country and in particular states. The study finds dramatic differences among states. Three states rank among the top 10 for over half of the indicators and not at all among the bottom ten. Conversely, two states rank among the bottom 10 for over half of the indicators and never among the top 10.
Tips, Tools & Tactics: The Best Resources for Women's Financial Planning
Brought to you by:
The National Center on Women and Aging for the POWERCenter.
There are thousands and thousands of resources available on financial planning. Some are terrible, many are adequate, and a few are of the highest quality. You don't have time to pore over them looking for the gems - the National Center on Women & Aging has done that for you. The directory itself is a resource that you can really use -- it is readable, understandable, accurate, and timely.
If you are ready to act and just need some good tools, click on http://iasp.brandeis.edu/womenandaging/finances/index.html.
© 2008, Institute on Assets and Social Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. All rights are reserved.
