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Consumer Research

Consumer Analytic Insights

About Consumer Analytic Insights

The Consumer Analytic Insights series from the FDIC’s Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection focuses on opportunities to expand and support Americans’ participation in the nation’s financial system and other consumer finance matters


July 2025

An Evaluation of How Money Smart Are You?

by Susan Burhouse and Cristina Miranda

The FDIC recently led a rigorous evaluation of the How Money Smart Are You? suite of online financial education games which found that the resource is associated with positive effects on several important consumer financial outcomes. Users of How Money Smart Are You? adopted positive changes in financial behaviors such as budgeting and saving, and improved their subjective financial knowledge, financial skill, and financial well-being. In addition, the evaluation gathered useful insights from consumers and organizations regarding their experiences with the games.


April 2024

Single Parents: Financial Resilience, Banking, and Mobile Technology

by Yazmin Osaki and Susan Burhouse

Most unbanked households in the United States are “cash only,” meaning they use neither prepaid cards nor nonbank payment apps. These households must rely primarily on in-person cash transactions and thus are at risk of theft or loss when handling their day-to-day finances. Going forward, the cash-only unbanked may find it increasingly difficult to participate in the formal economy as the U.S. financial system evolves toward a more digital infrastructure. Economic inclusion strategies targeted toward the cash-only unbanked should focus on building trust in banks and demonstrating the value of a bank account, as this population appears to be especially disconnected from the mainstream banking system.

Last Updated: July 14, 2025