Voices Blog – News & views for the community development field
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![[Watch] The Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1920-x-1280-CC-July-13.jpg?w=1024)
[Watch] The Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023
In this Connecting Communities webinar, researchers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors shared findings from the survey on trends in financial well-being. Based on the survey results, they answered attendees’ questions about the financial conditions among low- and moderate-income populations.
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Facing the future solo: Understanding obstacles for single women and retirement
Women encounter specific challenges in retirement planning, including pay and wealth disparities that affect their savings and financial stability.
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Data on anchor institutions help inform decisions at local, regional, and state levels
From job training to procurement to business development, state-level measures of anchor institutions are helping to advance conversations, support collaboration, and drive economic growth.
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Why are Native homebuyers ending up with more expensive loans?
Financing manufactured homes can cost Native borrowers on reservations twice as much as off-reservation white borrowers. A risky type of loan fuels the cost gap.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, May 2024
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the May 2024 Beige Book.
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![[Watch] The Changing Landscape of In-person Banking](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/connecting-communities-banking-deserts.png?w=1024)
[Watch] The Changing Landscape of In-person Banking
In a recent Connecting Communities webinar, experts discussed how US bank branch closures affect lower-income, rural, older, and disabled customers. They highlighted the value of in-person banking and tools like the Fed’s Banking Deserts Dashboard. Watch on demand.
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Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023
The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking tracks financial circumstances and risks for low- and moderate-income families. This year’s survey includes topics like inflation, emergency savings, and new areas such as food sufficiency and caregiving.
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Despite low pay and long hours, child care is a business many still want to enter. Why?
Many new child care providers are entering the profession for reasons other than money. A recent survey by the Minneapolis Fed examines the variety of motivations attracting people to the industry.
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CDFI innovations in consumer and small business finance
CDFIs shared innovative practices for consumer and small business finance business lines in their responses to the Federal Reserve’s 2023 CDFI Survey.
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How the Fed goes beyond the data to try to make the economy work for everyone
Utilizing qualitative data from various sources helps paint a comprehensive picture of economic well-being and guides policy discussions at the Federal Reserve. Amidst uncertainties, staying connected to the pulse of real-world experiences remains key.
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Unveiling the effects of wildfire smoke on vulnerable communities
While the impacts of wildfire smoke are widespread, not all communities share in them equally. This post explores the hidden economic impacts of wildfire smoke, with new data on how it hits low-income communities hardest.
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Losing the family home, with ripples down the bloodline
Heirs’ property situations can strain family relationships and put billions of dollars of wealth at stake. Read one woman’s story and learn how she’s now working to help others preserve their family ties, homes, and financial stability.