[20220113]IF11682_金融服务简介：消费金融.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 13, 2022Introduction to Financial Services: Consumer FinanceConsumer finance refers to the borrowing, saving, and investment choices that people (i.e., households) make over time. These financial decisions can be complex and can affect financial well-being both now and in the future. Understanding why and how consumers make financial decisions is important when considering policy issues in consumer financial markets. Research on household finance suggests that all of the components of a households financesincome, consumption, savings, assets, and debtsare important to understand its financial experience over time. Safe and affordable financial services are an important tool for most Americans as they work to achieve financial security over the course of their lives. People use three types of financial products: credit, insurance, and financial investments. This CRS product focuses on the first categorycredit products (loans) for household purposes. Consumer Debt Households typically borrow money for the following reasons: Asset building. Using credit to make investments can allow a household to build wealth over time (e.g., a mortgage