American families lost close to $20 trillion in the early stages of the crisis of 2007-2009. Wealth remained well below its peak levels, even after the recovery had taken hold. Public policy can help families rebuild their wealth more quickly. Quicker and larger wealth gains will provide...

Excessive leverage - too much household debt - remains the scourge of our economy. It holds back consumer spending and results far too often in massive economic distress for millions of American families facing record-high foreclosures. Too much household debt also leaves banks reluctant to...