Millions of Americans operated ineffectively or outside of the financial mainstream in the United States, constricting opportunity to attain their dreams.  Those most underserved are middle to low income families and individuals, people of color and immigrants.

 LIMITED ACCESS 

• It is estimated that between 10-28 million people in the U.S. don't have bank accounts in mainstream financial institutions (Federal Reserve, 2004).
  
• Over 40 million are considered "underbanked" , having an account but rely on nonbank service providers (CFSI, 2008). 
•  Between 32-54 Million Americans have no or limited credit reports (Brookngs, 2007).
  

• Renters spend about 26 cents of every dollar on debt repayment, while homeowners spend about 11 cents of mortgage debt and 6 cents on other debt (Federal Reserve Board, 2009)
  
• Between 2 and 2.5 milllion households seek the services of credit counselors mostly to avoid bankruptcy with an average debt of $43,000 (Georgetown Center Research Center, 2002)

• 6 million households have no life insurance protection, and 56% of insured married couples believe their insurance amount is insufficient to replace lost income (LIMRA)
• Families with kids under 18 admit they will have immediate difficult with everyday living expenses while 26 percent say that they will only be able to cover a couple of months (LIMRA)
  

• By 2030 it is estimated that 72 million or 1 in 5 people will be age 65 and over (U.S. Census Bureau), yet only 58% are saving for retirement (CRB 2009).
• Median retirement balance of a married couple under 35 is $14,000 and for singles of the same ages $9000 (CRB 2009).
• Median retirement balance of a married couple 45-55 is $103,000 and for singles of the same ages, $32,000 (CRB 2009).