This report examines the effects of asset-holding and asset accumulation on individuals and families from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The report pays special attention to the way assets affect low-income families, while recognizing that research on this topic is limited. The goal of...

Child support is a private transfer that is integral to the means-tested public transfer system. Support payments generally lower the budget costs of welfare as well the incentives for parents to participate. The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program, which establishes and enforces support...

The evolution of market economies has dramatically broadened the opportunities of consumers, workers, investors, and firms. Financial services have become especially free and accessible, but also increasingly complex. For the new financial freedom to help most people, they must understand their...