Financial Security Program

The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program works to ensure that households in America can afford everyday life, save for rainy days, and build enough wealth to achieve their dreams. Because when families are financially stable and secure, they increase their well-being—and that of their communities, too.

The transformational change we seek—to make financial security for all a top national priority—requires innovation, trust, and leadership across all sectors and systems. We help build the relationships and networks that enable this change through deep, deliberate dialogues and evidence-based research.

The Challenge

Widespread financial insecurity is among the most urgent crises facing the United States. Aspen FSP is tackling this crisis head-on.

55%

Of households lack the necessary savings to weather a simultaneous income drop and expense spike.

51%

Of U.S. households have expenses that are equal to or greater than their income.

Together with public, private, nonprofit, and community leaders, we are illuminating and solving the most critical financial challenges facing American households today. Join with us to create paths to prosperity that everyone can access.

Our Priorities

To help people at all income levels achieve financial security, we focus on three key areas.

Financial Stability

Everyone should be able to comfortably afford everyday life and withstand shocks.

Wealth and Ownership

Everyone should be able to save, invest, and own assets that grow in value over time and build long-term financial security.

Financial Systems

Everyone should be able to rely on a well-designed, well-run set of financial products, services, and infrastructure that make their financial lives efficient, seamless, and safe.

Financial Security Program

Latest Posts

Get the latest news and insights from the Financial Security Program.

Blog Posts

Beyond Income: Worker Financial Security and the Role of Benefits Inside and Outside of the Workplace

U.S. workers need access to both public and workplace benefits, but often the connections between these benefits are fractured.

October 9, 2025

Publications

United We Stand: A National Strategy to Prevent Scams

The U.S. needs a whole-of-ecosystem approach to stop fraud and scams. Read the proposed national strategy from the National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention.

September 30, 2025

Blog Posts Videos

Video: We Don’t Have to Choose Between Financial Stability and Wealth

Households need tools that help them afford everyday life and build long-term security. Too often, policy systems fail to respond to both of these needs and instead prioritize one goal over the other.

September 30, 2025

Publications

What’s the Future of Retirement Savings? We Get to Choose

Retirement is the ultimate financial report card—for individuals and for America. Learn how leaders are working to make the retirement savings system work for everyone.

September 19, 2025

Headshots of three young adults
Blog Posts

Aspen FSP Welcomes Three New Members to Its Community Advisory Group

Aspen FSP welcomes three young adult leaders to our Community Advisory Group.

September 10, 2025

Our Events

Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Four headshots against a blue background.
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity

2025 Aspen Leadership Forum on Retirement Savings

| Charlottesville, VA

View Event

Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity

2025 Aspen Leadership Forum on Inclusive Finance

| Washington, D.C.

View Event

Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity
Economic Opportunity

What Will It Take to Grow Renter Wealth?

View Event

Stay Connected

Join our work to build financial security for all.

Learn more about how you can support Aspen’s Financial Security Program through a philanthropic grant, tax-deductible gift, or event sponsorship. 

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