The reality of how the EITC is used in low to moderate income communities is that by time April 15th rolls around the majority of those that are eligible for this credit generally have already applied for and recieved their checks. Many are using rapid refunds and refund anticipation loans to hurry up and get the funds. This is largely becuase of predatory practices of many tax refund businesses tha prop up in these neighborhoods well ahead of any programs or campaigns that many non profits may use to educate families to save towards assets and wealth building.
Many of these checks are used to purchase 'wants". It is not only low moderate income people that do not save, or save enough it is sadly a trend in todays economy for many segments of the population.