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Worker Perspectives: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes
For many lower and moderate income workers and job seekers, survival is replacing economic mobility. This research explores how individuals navigate tight budgets and a challenging job market. Despite these obstacles, many spoke of their perseverance in the face of challenges and remained confident in their ability to navigate uncertainty.
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Get insights from the Fed’s community development teams and their collaborators.
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Beyond broadband: The link between digital access and financial well-being
As financial services increasingly move online, internet access and digital skills are becoming essential for financial well-being. Learn more about the link between digital access and financial access through tools and community advocates who are working to build digital skills and connect people to safe financial services.
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![[Watch] Highlights from the 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shed-connecting-communities-0713.png?w=1024)
[Watch] Highlights from the 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking
How did U.S. households fare financially in the past year? Did trends shift in the use of emerging financial products? During this Connecting Communities webinar, researchers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors share key findings from the 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decionmaking (SHED). Watch or listen on demand.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, May 2026
Rising fuel costs and slow wage growth are straining lower-income households. One contact noted that more workers are now requesting higher pay to meet basic needs. Nonprofit organizations continue to face funding shortages and higher operating costs.
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Fed’s Occupational Mobility Explorer enhances opportunities for job seekers and workforce development professionals
The Federal Reserve’s Occupational Mobility Explorer illustrates how a skills-based approach to hiring can benefit workers, workforce development professionals, employers, and human resources professionals.
Explore data and research
From survey findings to dashboards, the Fed’s data can inform collaborative efforts between policymakers, employers, and educators.
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Read more →: 2026 Worker Perspectives Report: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes
2026 Worker Perspectives Report: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes
The Worker Perspectives Report explores how workers are navigating rising costs, limited opportunities, and a challenging job market. To navigate these obstacles they are adapting finances and career plans, while also speaking hopefully about their personal ability to manage uncertainty. In their employment, they prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and fair pay. Here’s what workers are…
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Read more →: How the Fed studies and understands housing’s key role in the economyHow the Fed studies and understands housing’s key role in the economy
The cost and availability of housing affect family budgets, labor force mobility, business growth, and the health of the economy. Learn how the Fed studies and engages with communities around vital housing trends, challenges, and innovations.
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Read more →: Small business strategies for supporting employee child care needsSmall business strategies for supporting employee child care needs
Small businesses employ nearly half of private-sector workers but often have limited resources to offer benefits like child care. This article examines the prevalence of employer-supported child care and the practical strategies small businesses employ to support working parents.
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Read more →: 2025 Community Perspectives Survey: Insights from the field—Health of entities serving low- and moderate-income communities2025 Community Perspectives Survey: Insights from the field—Health of entities serving low- and moderate-income communities
The second report from the 2025 Community Perspectives Survey highlights how LMI-serving organizations are managing demand, funding, and staffing. While many can meet community needs, challenges like resource strain and adapting to uncertainity are impacting their overall organizational health.