Financial vulnerability is not limited to the world’s poorest people or nations. Despite the United States’ relative wealth, many Americans are financially insecure, lacking either the ability to meet monthly bills or the necessary savings to cover unexpected expenses. Helping fragile consumers to better manage their finances is critical to improving financial stability, financial security, and – eventually – economic mobility. Research suggests that doing so benefits not only the individual, but also employers, taxpayers, and the national economy. In this paper, we discuss the important role that savings, access to affordable credit, and opportunities for asset building can play in assisting the country’s vulnerable families to improve their financial footing.