Beyond Stimulus

While the President signs into law a $152 billion stimulus package to jumpstart the economy, millions of Americans continue to rack up consumer debt, watch their home values slide, and worry about their futures with little to no savings. In fact, even with stimulus checks on the way to promote consumption, Americans are focusing on the need to rein in their debt and save more. A recent Harris Interactive poll found that when it comes to using the tax rebate, 47 percent say they intend to pay down debt, while another 32 percent report they will save it.

Although very few doubt the need for an economic kick start, more attention is needed to address the lack of savings and debt crisis of today, facilitate savings for the future, and promote economic health and financial stability over the course of a lifetime.

New research, policies, and business strategies are emerging that enable Americans to meet a range of savings needs, from short-term, precautionary savings as an alternative to consumer debt; to adequate savings for mid-life asset purchases; to longer-term default strategies to enable Americans to reach their retirement goals.

Our expert panel will share new insights and research that make the case for new savings strategies and policies for all Americans. Please join us for this very timely discussion.

Attachments

• MP3 Audio Recording of this Event
• Melissa Koide’s Power Point Presentation (PDF, 8PP)
• Jack Towarnicky’s Power Point Presentation (PDF, 19PP)

Location

210 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC, 20515
See map: Google Maps

Participants

Opening Remarks

• The Hon. Jim Cooper (D-TN)
  U.S. House of Representatives

• The Hon. Xavier Becerra (D-CA)
  U.S. House of Representatives

• Ray Boshara
  Vice President, Domestic Policy Programs; Director, Asset Building Program
  New America Foundation

Keynote Speaker

• Jodie Allen
  Senior Editor, The Pew Research Center
  Former Managing Editor, U.S. News & World Report

Featured Speakers

• Stephen Brobeck
  Executive Director
  Consumer Federation of America

• Melissa Koide
  Deputy Director, Financial Services and Education Project
  Asset Building Program, New America Foundation

• Carol Wayman
  Senior Legislative Director
  Corporation for Enterprise Development

• Jack Towarnicky
  AVP, Benefits Planning
  Nationwide Insurance

• Mark Iwry
  Managing Director, Retirement Security Project
  Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution