On March 6, 2025, John Scott from The Pew Charitable Trusts presented research and discussed the findings from their 2024 survey which examined financial goals, wealth perceptions, and challenges to building wealth across White, Black, and Hispanic populations in the United States and how they inform strategic philanthropic investments to support economic equity and expand savings and investment opportunities for all.
The data revealed both shared concerns and distinct differences among racial groups and provided deep and impactful consumer-based insights to inform strategic investments and interventions. Findings show that everyday challenges make it difficult for many workers, especially those of color, to plan for and achieve wealth, but accumulating assets remains an aspiration for many in the survey. Among the key findings:
- Debt remains a key barrier to saving.
- Balancing budgeting for emergencies and long-term savings, like retirement remains key.
- There is a role of philanthropy to drive employer adoption of Secure Choice and retirement support
- Black and Hispanic respondents do not feel wealthy relative to White respondents.
- For many, income and needs based spending does not allow for families to pay off debt and save for the future. Yet, building wealth remains important.
The presentation was followed by a robust discussion between John Scott from The Pew Charitable Trusts and Joe Antolin from Asset Funders Network and included Q&A from the audience.
Speakers:
John Scott, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Joseph Antolín, Asset Funders Network
This webinar is the first in a series partnering with The Pew Charitable Trusts. The next Webinar is on June 12, 2025: Expanding Retirement Savings through State IRA Programs and Addressing Barriers to Building Retirement Wealth
