Dr. Luisa Blanco Awarded Grant to Promote Financial Planning Among Low-Income, Spanish-Speaking Hispanics

Dr. Luisa Blanco, associate professor of public policy, received funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Aging through the Resource Center on Minority Aging Research- Center for Health Improvement for Minority Elder (RCMAR-CHIME) at the University of California, Los Angeles. For this project, Blanco will work under the mentorship of RCMAR-CHIME Directors Dr. Kenrik Duru and Dr. Carol Mangione to design and pilot test an educational intervention to promote financial planning and saving for retirement among low and middle income Spanish-speaking Hispanics. For this study they will also evaluate the relationship between the proposed retirement planning intervention and physical health as well as psychological well-being. This project will be undertaken in partnership with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), with Isaias Hernandez, MAOF community service director. This pilot study will be the first to test a community based educational program to promote saving and planning for retirement among middle-aged adult Hispanics. This funding will also provide Blanco with the opportunity to further develop her skills as a scientist in behavioral, economic, and social-science research.