To promote financial stability among low-wage families, policymakers must impact the key factors that research shows contribute to family economic success.

What Can Policymakers Do?

• Increase Household Financial Resources. Particularly during a national economic crisis, policymakers have a role in encouraging employment opportunities for all who can and want to work. Employment alone may not keep families out of poverty and policymakers can ensure income supports for part-time or low-wage workers and families.

• Control Household Costs. Policymakers can help reduce expenses associated with going to work (such as child care and transportation) and for basic necessities (such as health care and housing). It can also address predatory financial practices that take advantage of families in crisis.

• Build Household Assets. Policymakers can play an important role in encourage families to increase savings and make long-term investments in homeownership, higher education, and retirement.

• Curb Household Debt. Policymakers can address wealth-stripping practices that prey on the most vulnerable.