Datasets for each Outcome Category

Data from 27 randomised controlled trials included in this systematic review was independently extracted by two review authors and entered into a pre-piloted data extraction form. If information was missing, study authors were contacted with up to four follow-up Emails.We calculated standardised effect sizes for intermediate outcomes and distal outcomes. Standardised effect sizes are scale-free and provide comparable information about the magnitude and direction of each effect and can thus be aggregated across studies. For continuous outcome measures, standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. To adjust for potential bias from small sample sizes, we used Hedges’ g correction for all effect sizes. For outcomes that were measured on a continuous scale in some studies and dichotomised in other studies (e.g. increases in saving amounts), we transformed odds ratios into SMDs and used Hedges’ g correction as described above. Intermediate outcomes included (a) increases in total savings, (b) financial literacy, and (c) savings attitudes, (d) investments in profitable business. It is crucial to account for potential crowd-out effects that can arise from the shifting of resources to the saving device endorsed by the interventions. We have therefore made efforts to focus on total household savings and otherwise sought to aggregate all information on savings held in different places to reach an average effect. Distal outcomes included (a) business profits, (b) food security, (c) investments in and status of health, (d) investments in education and educational attainment, and (e) household poverty measured through assets or expenditure/income.