Publication Date

4-15-2016

Summary

Since the Great Recession (December 2007–2009 in the United States), poverty has compromised many families and increased the prevalence of young children living in neighborhoods of concentrated, deep poverty. However, financial literacy interventions have reported promising outcomes for influencing financial choices and financial knowledge, highlighting the potential of such programs for improving the economic positions of families and children. This report presents results from a mixed-methods evaluation of a financial literacy intervention with Head Start families in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The intervention combines savings incentives and one-on-one coaching with 10 hours of financial education on debt management, banking, budgeting, and credit. Results from 2 years of data suggest that participants’ understanding of core financial concepts, financial attitudes, and financial management behaviors increased after participation. Participants also noted that they gained insight on how to maximize available resources and achieve their financial goals.

Document Type

Research Report

Category

Financial Inclusion

Subarea

Asset Building

Original Citation

Robertson, A. S., & Curley, J. (2016). Annual report on the ASSET Project’s Head Start Family Financial Capability Pilot: 2014–2015 (CSD Research Report No. 16-04). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.

Project

ASSET Project

Keywords

ASSET Project, well-being, children, family, credit, financial capability, financial education, Grace Hill Settlement House, Head Start, individual development account, savings, saving, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, vulnerability, Youth in Need, YWCA Metro St. Louis, Greater St. Louis

Download

Share

COinS