Effect of Financial Resources and Credit on Savings Behavior of Low-Income Families

This study examined the effects of available financial resources, credit use, savings attitudes, methods of saving, and demographic characteristics on the change in low-income families' real savings (change in real net worth) from 1983 to 1986. Multiple regression results indicated that having a higher level of education, having larger families, and expecting financial assistance from friends or relatives in emergency situations increased real savings. In addition, having higher outstanding 1983 noninstallment loan balances increased real savings, while having lower 1983 net worth increased real savings from 1983 to 1986