Retirement Savings Research Articles

No Rest for the Weary: Measuring the Changing Distribution of Retirement Wealth in the United States

ABSTRACT Since 1992 wealth for the bottom 90 percent of households nearing retirement has fallen. The only source of wealth helping the bottom 90 percent is Social Security. Despite pro savings policies and generous tax breaks for savings, the share of the bottom 50 percent having any retirement account didn’t change in 20 years — 46 percent in 1992 and 47 percent in 2016. Even the middle class suffered; the share of the next 40 percent with retirement savings fell from 85 percent in 1992 to a low of 71 percent in 2016. Housing ownership increased a bit for the bottom 50 percent but fell among the middle class and upper middle class. Home equity for the working and middle class fell. Using SCF and HRS data over 20 years, we find the bulk of working-class wealth is government social insurance. Economists should not exclude social insurance from wealth calculations. We find social insurance is the most important source of wealth for most families. Government policies and institutions have failed wealth building for most American households with workers.

Retirement savings behaviours and COVID-19: Evidence from Thailand

This paper utilises administrative data from members of the Thai Government Pension Fund to examine voluntary contributions and investment plan change. We find low overall incidence of both behaviours which increased only modestly during the onset of COVID-19. While the major finding is that members are in the minority if they engage in the behaviour regardless of gender, salary, balance, or experience in the fund, the relative probability varies systematically by member characteristics. Policy implications are discussed including the difficulty large plans face when attempting to encourage the savings behaviours in identifiable member groups who may benefit but the costs of doing so are borne by the full membership.

Assessment of satisfaction with contributory pension scheme among retired staff of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Nigeria

The new contributory pension scheme (CPS) was introduced by the Pension Reform Act, 2004 reviewed in 2014.The reform became necessary in order alleviate the constraints of Defined Pension Scheme in Nigeria. Evidently the old pension scheme became operationally unsustainable due to deficit funding, weak administrative structure, frequent increase in salary etc. To this end the new contributory pension scheme was introduced in 2004 making it mandatory for both employees and employers to contribute a certain percentage into retirement savings account of individual prospective retiree. This is with a view to build in confidence among retirees of the safety and immediate payment of their benefit. The study intends to assess the satisfaction of contributory pension scheme among retired staff of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. The data for the study were generated from primary and secondary sources. The instruments of the primary data collection used were questionnaire and interview, while secondary sources made use of reports, books, magazines, gazettes, journals, research theses and dissertations and the internet. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Questionnaires were distributed on a sample of 107 respondents selected from the population of the study through simple random sampling techniques to test the hypotheses. Chi square analysis tests result revealed that, compliance with the contributory pension scheme significantly improved prompt payment of lump sum benefits and implementation of CPS has significantly improved easy and timely access to pension benefits in RSA by retirees in ATBU and FPTB. However, it was recommended among other things that, PENCOM should ensure the achievement of a competitive return on investment through strong policies that will bring good investment and sustained output growth required to guarantee higher RSA growth and pension payment of retirees to improve the living standard of retirees. PENCOM should ensure close supervision, monitoring and evaluation of the performance of PFA’s in order to achieve efficiency in pension system. This will ensure transparency and continue promptness in payments, which are major setback of the old scheme.

Income Level and Population Aging Impact on Retirement Savings in OECD Countries

Increasing old-dependency ratio has essential impact on pension systems which must be reformed and adjusted to actual demographic situation. Applying linear regression, we look for relationships between retirement savings and levels of incomes and old-age dependency ratios in 36 selected OECD countries. Our findings show that the population aging affects pension assets acccumulation differently in developed and developing countries although pension assets are increasing in both groups of countries. Concurrently, the regression models let us divide OECD countries into three groups - Countries where the old-age dependency ratio affects per capita investment positively and statistically significant (26 countries), insignificantly (5 countries) and negatively and significant (5 countries).

Is rising student debt affecting retirement savings? Evidence from the survey of consumer finances

AbstractUsing exogenous changes in the personal bankruptcy treatment of student loans as well as the level of student debt, we find that student debt has a negative effect on household retirement savings. This negative relation is present for younger and older individuals, and is larger for the latter group, indicating lower levels of retirement savings for precisely those who can least afford it. We also find that student debt is related to greater borrowing on retirement plans. Households with more student debt expect to have insufficient retirement income and are less able to plan financially for the long term.

Contributory pension scheme and formal retirement savings: is there a trade-off? -evidence from India’s Atal Pension Yojna using copula regression methodology

Contributory pension scheme and formal retirement savings: is there a trade-off? -evidence from India’s Atal Pension Yojna using copula regression methodology

The effect of required minimum distributions on intergenerational transfers

Tax policy may influence intergenerational transfers, especially the method and timing of gifts. In this paper, I study how tax rules that mandate the decumulation of retirement savings accounts impact transfers from parents to children. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study and a regression discontinuity design, I estimate the causal effects of aging into Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) regulations, which mandate withdrawals from retirement accounts upon reaching a specified age. First, I establish the effects of RMDs on asset decumulation in my setting and show a sharp increase in withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Next, I provide new evidence on the effects of RMDs on intergenerational transfers and show a concurrent, discontinuous increase in inter vivos gifts. The results indicate that some households ultimately use IRAs to facilitate within-family transfers, holding wealth in the tax-advantaged accounts until required to take distributions and then passing resources to children.

How Does Tax Timing Affect Spending in Retirement?

ABSTRACT This study investigates how the timing of taxes on retirement savings affects spending. Our findings are based on an experiment where participants spend funds from either a deferred-tax account, where taxes are paid upon withdrawal, or a currently taxed account, which represents after-tax savings withdrawn tax-free. We find that deferred-tax account holders consume savings faster than currently taxed account holders with equal after-tax spending power. Further, given equivalent nominal balances, deferred-tax and currently taxed account holders spend nominally equivalent amounts on goods, despite deferred-tax account holders needing to pay taxes on withdrawals. This finding suggests deferred-tax account holders under-adjust for taxes and, therefore, consume their wealth faster. These findings have important implications for financial advisors and tax policy makers. They also add to a growing body of research showing that tax timing affects individual decision making and that currently taxed accounts often encourage individuals to make better retirement planning decisions. Data Availability: Data are available from the third author, upon request. JEL Classifications: H24; K34.

Leveraging FinTech Compliance to Mitigate Cryptocurrency Volatility for Secure US Employee Retirement Benefits: Bitcoin ETF Case Study

The integration of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, into retirement savings plans has recently garnered significant attention. This interest has been amplified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in January 2024 and Fidelity Investments' decision to include Bitcoin in their 401(k) plans. These landmark developments represent a paradigm shift in retirement investment strategies, merging traditional financial planning with the dynamic and volatile world of cryptocurrencies. The entry of Bitcoin introduces novel challenges, including increased volatility and regulatory uncertainty, necessitating a comprehensive examination of its impacts on retirement savings. The study sought to explore the role of Financial Technology (FinTech) in managing these risks and assess the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study collected data from 386 participants, including FinTech practitioners and investment portfolio managers through a survey that combining closed-ended and open-ended questions. Multiple regression was used to analyze the relationships between variables such as FinTech integration, regulatory compliance, and the risk associated with cryptocurrency-inclusive retirement portfolios. The study revealed that the inclusion of Bitcoin significantly increases portfolio volatility. It also found that advanced FinTech data management techniques significantly enhance risk mitigation, while current regulatory frameworks are inadequate for governing the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in retirement plans. A comprehensive framework combining FinTech and regulatory compliance was shown to effectively reduce investment risks. The study recommends cautious consideration of cryptocurrencies in retirement portfolios, with an emphasis on assessing the risk appetite of participants. It advocates for dynamic regulatory frameworks and enhanced use of FinTech for real-time risk management. The study suggests that retirement plan providers should adopt an integrated approach, combining technological innovations with regulatory oversight, to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency investments effectively.

Performance dispersion among target date funds

There are significant differences in the performance of Target Date Funds (TDFs) with the same target year. Using a unique dataset from Morningstar, we show that within the same target year, funds with lower than the average expense ratio, or higher than average allocation to equities, outperform similar funds. This outperformance exists across all target year groups and is economically meaningful. Furthermore, deviations in the equity allocation have a greater impact on performance than does expense ratio. Using bootstrap simulations to investigate the impact over a longer horizon, we show that deviations from the average allocations or expense ratios have a meaningful impact on the retirement savings of an average investor.

Irrational or Rational? Time to Rethink Our Understanding of Financially Responsible Behavior

Models of finance rationality expect individuals to actively prepare for retirement by consistently investing and building a diversified asset portfolio, with any behavior deviating from these expectations being identified as irresponsible. This framework of (ir)rationality and (ir)responsibility ignores the role of constraints in shaping financial behavior. Extending economic geographic insights on everyday financial practices as complex processes of meaning-making, we reveal how varied approaches to retirement savings are shaped by the experience of constraints inherent in a capitalist welfare state. Using the accounts of forty-two interviewed women and people with a minority ethnic background in the UK, we show how the interplay between everyday rationalities and structural constraints construct variegated financial subjectivities and practices that reflect the context that individuals face. Our findings contribute to the theorization of variegated financial subjects and disrupt the application of corrective policy measures, such as financial education, which put more pressure on individuals rather than tackling the inequalities inherent in the capitalist welfare state broadly and in the pension system specifically.

How Government-Backed Registered Retirement Savings Plans Impact Canadians’ Tax-Free Savings Account:

Personal savings can help cushion financial difficulties and reduce the need to apply for government assistance. This study examined who benefits the most and the least from the government-supported Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The compound theory of social equity was used to analyze data from the 2019 Canadian Survey of Financial Security. The results suggest that there are disparities in contributions to TFSA and RRSP based on the level of education and gender of single parents. Our analysis using correlation, OLS, and quantile regressions found that there are statistically significant but relatively small differences in contributions for less educated individuals and single-parent families led by women. These findings suggest that governments could focus on financial education, improve financial inclusion policies, and review rules on TFSA and RRSP contribution limits, which could pose a cognitive administrative burden for vulnerable households.

The Role of IRAs in US Households' Saving for Retirement, 2023

The Role of IRAs in US Households' Saving for Retirement, 2023

Maximizing Retirement Savings: Strategic Forecasting of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Dividends

This study embarks on an analytical drive to project future dividends of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) by harnessing the historical dividend data spanning from 1952 to 2023. With a comprehensive methodology that fuses both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches, the study conducts an in-depth examination of the fluctuations and trends in EPF dividend rates across seventy years. Utilizing EXCEL statistical tools, such regression models, it examines into identifying the pivotal factors that have historically influenced EPF dividends, thereby enabling the prediction of their future trajectories. This endeavor aims to refine the strategies employed in financial planning, ensuring they are more aligned with predicted outcomes. The study uncovers a pattern of volatility in EPF dividends, marked by significant highs and lows which correspond with the changing tides of the economic landscape. The development and application of a predictive model, deemed most effective through this study, shed light on potential future trends of EPF dividends. This model is instrumental in proposing a strategic approach for EPF contributors, tailored to navigate the complexities of investment planning with foresight. Moreover, the significance of this study transcends the boundaries of dividend prediction. It lays down a comprehensive framework that deepens the understanding of how retirement fund dividends are influenced by economic fluctuations. This contribution is invaluable for investors and policymakers alike, providing them with the foresight needed to make informed decisions that could preemptively address the challenges posed by future economic shifts. In essence, this paper makes a profound contribution to the domain of financial planning and analysis by advocating for a shift towards a more proactive and informed management of retirement savings.

Did the Superbowl Ad Curse Heighten Defined Contribution Plan Fiduciary Duties?: Deciphering the Legal and Ethical Landscape of Cryptocurrency Options in 401(k)s

Regulating cryptocurrency’s place in America’s most popular retirement savings vehicle generates thorny legal, ethical, and social justice dilemmas. Too little regulation could hurt those at highest risk of underfunded retirement. Too much could exacerbate existing racial, ethnic, and gender inequities. Though recent regulatory efforts suggest 401(k) administrators violate their fiduciary duty of care by offering cryptocurrency investment options to plan participants, the established fiduciary regime protects 401(k) plan participants from cryptocurrency risk while respecting their savings preferences. Yet, the current framework falls short of ethically and equitably serving all plan participants, particularly members of underserved communities— a problem largely unaddressed in academic, industry, or regulatory discourse. This Article demonstrates how regulators’ needlessly paternalistic approach toward cryptocurrency options could disproportionately impact minority retirement savings participation. Applying the existing fiduciary framework and practical mechanisms that plan fiduciaries currently use would minimize cryptocurrency risk to participants without rewriting the rules governing plan administration. This Article also proposes a novel, scientifically supported method by which fiduciaries should convey retirement planning information to improve retirement outcomes for all: via non-traditional media.

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Evidence from Administrative Data and Implications for Plan Design

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Evidence from Administrative Data and Implications for Plan Design

Delegated Investment in Retirement Savings: Is There Value Added?

Delegated Investment in Retirement Savings: Is There Value Added?

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Implications for Plan Design

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Implications for Plan Design

Subjective Beliefs, Saving, and Spending for Retirement

Subjective Beliefs, Saving, and Spending for Retirement

How Large are Racial and Gender Disparities in 401(k) Account Balances and What is Causing Them: Initial Findings from the Collaborative for Equitable Retirement Savings

How Large are Racial and Gender Disparities in 401(k) Account Balances and What is Causing Them: Initial Findings from the Collaborative for Equitable Retirement Savings