Our Research
Commonwealth conducts original qualitative and quantitative research with financially vulnerable people—including Black, Latinx, and women-led households who disproportionately experience financial insecurity. We also interview industry experts and academics. We take what we learn and translate findings into actionable insights and practical solutions designed to change systems to work better for financially vulnerable people. We work with community groups, employers, financial services firms, fintechs, policymakers, and workplace solution providers to design and test real-world, practical solutions that not only work for individuals and families, but are also scalable and address the business needs of our partners.
We share the results of our work to provide you with innovative ideas, practical insights, and the tools you need to act. Explore our publications below.
Perceptions of Financial Insecurity in America
More than 80% of Americans agree financial insecurity is a major problem. In today’s uncertain economic climate, where business closures and mass layoffs have become the new normal, this finding may not be surprising. However, Commonwealth’s survey results come from…
A Tsunami of Volatility
In June, Commonwealth began following 56 families from across the US (households in 24 states with amedian annual income of $50,000) as they navigate life during a pandemic. In our biweekly interviews, we follow households’ changes in income, as well…
WINcentive Savings 2019 Report
WINcentive Savings, a multi-institution prize-linked savings (PLS) product, is an example of one of the many PLS programs that currently exists in the US. Now offered at 23 credit unions across Minnesota, WINcentive has established and grown a new pool of…
The Impact of Emergency Cash on Gig Workers
Addressing the financial vulnerability low-income gig workers face requires new approaches. To better understand how these workers navigate unexpected expenses, Commonwealth collaborated with The Workers Lab Design Sprint Team to design and implement the Workers Strength Fund (WSF) project. The…
Financial Security and Emergency Savings Among Non-Traditional Workers
The 2.5 million creative entrepreneurs on Etsy who sell handmade goods, vintage items, and other products and supplies are part of the growing segment of workers operating outside of traditional work arrangements. Like many independent contractors and gig workers, sellers…
Invested
In recent years, fintech innovation has propelled the rise of investing platforms and apps that enable greater autonomy and smaller-dollar investment opportunities than traditional investment and wealth management services. While these innovations have allowed more people to invest, people living…
Piloting a Path for Employee Financial Resilience
6 Findings from First Major US City to Launch Employee Emergency Savings Pilot Emergency savings are core to building financial security but remain elusive for many households. According to recent Federal Reserve data, four out of ten Americans would struggle to…
Machine Learning and Financial Security
New and emerging technologies throughout history have transformed our lives, wellbeing, and day to day tasks. This is true in financial services as well: we use cash less and cards more, have access to banking services 24/7, and can perform…
Machine Learning and Financial Security
New and emerging technologies throughout history have transformed our lives, wellbeing, and day to day tasks. This is true in financial services as well: we use cash less and cards more, have access to banking services 24/7, and can perform…
Blockchain Technology and Financial Security
New and emerging technologies throughout history have transformed our lives, wellbeing, and day to day tasks. This is true in financial services as well: we use cash less and cards more, have access to banking services 24/7, and can perform…