1. Informal Finance: Savings clubs, money guards, and loans from family members are just a few ways many Americans are creating their own DIY financial services. Planet Money
2. Impact Evaluations: David Evans' reflections on zero effect results in educational interventions are a nice reminder of the lessons we can learn from the microcredit impact evaluations. The World Bank - Development Impact
3. Retirement Savings: Is the case against expanding social security simply the result of a math error? The Los Angeles Times
4. Cash Transfers: A research study on EITC participation reports social programs may have higher take up rates if policymakers communicate information in a simple way with emphasis on the program benefits. What a radical concept! The Psych Report
5. Pawn Shops: Pawn shops are a source of credit for many unbanked Americans but research on item bids and loan terms reveals a complex shadow banking system for the poor. Priceonomics
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Editor's Note:
If you were hoping that the faiV would be a pleasant distraction from the overwhelming flow of AI-related content, sorry. For the record, the faiV had “ai” built in before Anthropic existed. And a housekeeping note: we’ve finally jumped ship from Mailchimp to NYU’s mailing platform—I guess if you’re reading this it’s been a seamless transition and if you’re not, well, you’re not. Feedback on the faiV’s content and format and delivery methods is always welcome, just drop me an email.
- Tim Ogden