Michael Collins
Assistant Professor
Email: jmcollins@wisc.edu
Office: 394 SoHE
Web site:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Consumer Science
1300 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
J. ‘Michael’ Collins studies consumer decision-making in the financial marketplace, including the role of public policy in influencing credit, savings and investment choices. He is currently an assistant professor in consumer science teaching personal finance, as well as a specialist with Wisconsin Cooperative Extension in the area of financial education. He is also supporting the launch of the Center for Financial Security.
Michael founded PolicyLab Consulting Group, LLC, a consulting firm working primarily with national foundations and nonprofits, and also co-founded MortgageKeeper Referral Services, a database mortgage servicers and counselors use to refer distressed borrowers to social services. Previously he worked on mortgage market and asset-building issues for NeighborWorks America (Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation) and the Millennial Housing Commission. He holds a Masters of Public Policy (MPP) from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, a PhD in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University, and a BS in Education from Miami University (OH).
Michael is currently researching consumer responses to foreclosure, the role of default counseling on loan repayment behavior, and the effects of consumer protection policies on mortgage borrowers. He is working with the Annie E Casey Foundation on financial coaching and asset building research, including developing evaluation tools. He is also the lead researcher for several low-income tax preparation programs evaluating strategies to encourage consumer saving at tax time.
