Exploring Ways to Build Assets Among Low-Income Citizens

In 2007, the family poverty rate and the number of families in poverty were 9.8 percent and 7.6 million, respectively, both statistically unchanged from 2006. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Young adults pay over $3 for every dollar borrowed. (Center for Responsible Lending)
The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), created in 1976, has grown over the past 30 years into the nation’s largest program for the so-called “working poor.” In tax year 2006, more than 22 million lower-income families claimed over $43 billion via the EITC. (Brookings Institute)
In 2009 alone, foreclosures will cause 69.5 million nearby homes to suffer price declines averaging $7,200 per home and resulting in a $502 billion total decline in property values. During the period 2009-2012, the Center for Responsible Lending projects that foreclosures will cost 92 million U.S. families some $1.9 trillion in lower home values--an average of $20,300 in lost wealth per household. (Center for Responsible Lending)
In 2007, female financial advisors earned 53.7 percent of the median weekly wages of male financial advisors, and women in sales occupations earned just 64.8 percent of men's wages in equivalent positions. (The Bureau of Labor Statistics)
12 million Americans are caught in a cycle of 400 percent interest payday lending debt every year. (Center for Responsible Lending)