ISFS conducts benchmark studies, evaluation research, and policy research for corporations and other organizations. It performs feasibility, business, startup and strategic planning that promotes social entrepreneurship in the area of consumer financial education, including investor education and education about health finances, and housing and homeownership.

Through its research and cooperative programs, ISFS assists leaders in business, academia and the public sector in meeting today's socio-financial challenges. Since its inception in 1991, ISFS has had a far-reaching impact. The results of ISFS research have been presented in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and China, and have been translated into at least three languages. Inter-disciplinary curricula in financial sociology and financial gerontology have been introduced and taught at universities, and a Certificate Program in Financial Gerontology has been created for universities having gerontology institutes and programs.