Report

The Community Financial Access Pilot (CFAP) began in 2008 and was implemented through December 2009 by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) to increase access to financial services and financial education among low- and moderate-income families and individuals, especially individuals who have no bank or credit union account.

This study analyzes the impact of the FDIC’s Money Smart financial education curriculum and training on the financial opinions and behaviors of course participants. The study collected data from 631 adult respondents who experienced some portion of the Money Smart program during 2004-2005 and also completed a pre-training survey, post-training survey, and telephone follow-up survey. The data indicate that Money Smart financial education training positively affected consumer behaviors as measured through self-reported responses to survey questions 6-12 months after completing the training.

A report, Opportunities to Improve the Financial Capability and Financial Wellbeing of Postsecondary Students, has been prepared by the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC) and describes the state of financial education among postsecondary students.

This report describes the results of a CFPB-commissioned a study to rigorously evaluate the impact of financial coaching. The study found that access to financial coaching resulted in measurable gains in three areas: money management; objective financial health metrics like savings, debt levels, and credit score; and subjective feelings of financial confidence and financial well-being.

CFPB conducted a field scan of financial education programs for immigrant populations. The report raises visibility about the financial education challenges that many immigrants face. This report also shares promising financial education strategies that financial education providers can use to better serve immigrants who seek their services and are part of their communities.

This report describes the results of focus groups with consumers on common financial guidelines. The CPFB learned that many consumers are aware of and interested in financial guidelines or rules of thumb. However, many consumers also face difficulties in acting on these rules, and were interested in customizing rules for their own situations – what we call “financial rules to live by.” 

CFPB recently talked with consumers and found that many of them aspire to manage their spending better. We heard that people would like to use budgets and plans, but these tools can be hard to use in guiding spending decisions in the moment. Over 90 percent of the consumers CFPB talked with were interested in tools that could tell them how much money would be left in their budget if they bought something. These consumers said that spending feedback tools could help them curb impulse spending, manage spending on special occasions, and reduce uncertainty about their financial situation.

An essential part of the mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is to empower consumers to take more control over their financial lives. That’s why we’ve made financial education a critical component of our work.The Bureau’s strategy to improve financial literacy has two key aspects. Fundamental to this strategy is identifying financial education approaches that provide youth with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, habits, and capabilities that will serve them as adults. The report highlights some of these efforts.

This report describes the results of focus groups with consumers on credit reports and scores. The report examines issues such as whether consumers were checking their credit scores and reports, how they were doing it, and what motivated them to check it.

Research paper on findings regarding consumer spending and financial management. Partner paper to worksheet and "Managing Spending: Ideas for Financial Educators" released by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB).