Financial Issues of Hispanic Americans

Abstract

In a number of household finance matters, Hispanic Americans appear to constitute a vulnerable population. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics are disproportionately unbanked, less likely to hold stocks or mutual funds and score lower in financial literacy tests. Hispanic homeownership is still lower than the national average and this group has been one of the most affected by the recent financial crisis and current sluggish economy. In the long run, Hispanic households also accumulate fewer assets and have a lower net worth than White Americans, despite recent gains on income gaps. All these factors suggest that this group lacks the necessary financial capability to achieve financial freedom. This chapter provides a synthesis of the current state of Hispanic American household finances by reviewing three areas where this population financial needs and behaviors differ from the overall population: financial capability, use of financial services, and asset building.