New research from the Urban Institute reveals a critical gap in how we measure financial stability. While the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold identifies those struggling to meet basic needs, this study introduces a more comprehensive benchmark—the True Cost of Economic Security. Unlike ALICE, which focuses on survival budgets, this new measure accounts for long-term stability, including savings, debt, and unexpected expenses. The findings are stark: even more Americans than previously thought are unable to thrive, highlighting the urgent need for policy solutions that address the real cost of economic security. Read the Full Report