The Aspen Institute

Homeownership is a core American value.  It epitomizes the American Dream and the opportunity to build better lives for our children.  Home equity, as a financial asset, can be a springboard to the acquisition of other important assets like a college education, a small business, and a secure retirement.  The Aspen Institute Initiative on Financial Security (Aspen IFS) proposes transforming U.S. housing policy through a dedicated down payment savings vehicle with government incentives available to low- and middle-income Americans. In its previous report, Savings for Life, Aspen IFS recommended Home Accounts as a way to prepare more Americans to become homeowners.  This brief details how Home Accounts are a pragmatic vehicle to give low- and middle-income Americans a safer and more secure path to homeownership.