The American Dream Demonstration, the largest collection of individual development account programs ever undertaken in the United States, has encouraging evidence that the poor can save. Could this be the future of asset development?

What are asset-development policies? What programs are underway to explore such policies? Larry Beeferman of the Asset Development Institute describes the movement and his views on why asset-development policies are vital to economic equality.

When the poor succeed in building up a few assets, they often find themselves disqualified from badly needed government programs. Confusing rules about IRAs and 401(k)s plus conflicting state regulations make retirement saving particularly challenging.

Looking to buy homes in Boston and learn about financial management, almost 200 people have joined "The Network," an intensive IDA program that is entering its second session. Kathleen Gill profiles the IDA.

Recognizing how hard it is for low-income workers to save, D2D Fund develops, tests, and rolls out asset-building innovations nationwide. One promising approach makes it easier for people to save part of their tax refund.