Books
Franklin's Thrift:
The Lost History of An American Virtue
David Blankenhorn, Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, and Sorcha Brophy-Warren
John Templeton Center for
Thrift and Generosity
at the Institute for American Values
Through research, public education, civic action, and policy reforms, our aim is to promote savings opportunities and incentives for Americans of modest means and to establish thrift as a broadly achievable, financially rewarding and culturally favored way of life.
Our work began in 2005 with a scholarly inquiry into the meaning and history of thrift as an American value and practice. Back then, thrift had been nearly forgotten. Indeed, many smart people at the time
Second Annual Celebration of John Brandl's Uncommon Quest for Common Ground Download PDF
Lotteries are government-sponsored anti-thrift institutions that encourage citizens to bet their money. We propose repurposing the lottery to encourage citizens to save their money. Read more
A statement from a diverse team of scholars and leaders chaired by Amber Lapp, Charles E. Stokes, and Barbara Dafoe Whitehead of the Institute for American Values.
Download PDF
In this appeal to the Texas Legislature, the Texas Thrift Coalition (a nonpartisan, volunteer group of leaders and organizations) promotes thrift and encourages saving as a path to family prosperity and financial security for Texans. Read more
Watch the video of the Texas
Legislature proceedings
2010 Texas Thrift Survey Field Report
Download the Report. For more information, contact Chuck Stokes.
There are enough solid studies on family structure, saving, and wealth to make a clear case that marriage and thrift — the nest and the nest-egg — are interconnected. Read more
