Week of February 8, 2016

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