Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell explains that many retirees underspend because they fear running out of money. That fear can be eased by securing guaranteed lifetime income, such as through lifetime annuities. When retirees know their basics are covered and how much they can safely spend, they feel confident enjoying life without worrying about running out of money.…Read More
The Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that T. Rowe Price has rejoined the Council as an Associate Member for 2026. T. Rowe Price first joined the PRC in 2007.…Read More
The Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that Great Gray Trust has rejoined the Council as an Associate Level Member for 2026…Read More
Should annuities be a default option in retirement plans? Retirees remain divided, even as Wharton Professor Olivia S. Mitchell’s new research highlights annuities’ potential to provide lifetime income and retirement security. In her recent follow-up article for the WSJ, she addresses readers’ concerns about cost, flexibility, and overall appeal.…Read More
US Baby Boomers, now age 61-79, amassed unprecedented retirement wealth, yet it wasn’t entirely due to their good planning skills, reports Wharton economist Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell. Rising productivity, increasing real earnings, and significant housing appreciation boosted their outcomes, while younger generations benefited far less from these forces.…Read More
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! It’s a global day dedicated to supporting positive impact and strengthening communities. We look forward to sharing how you can support the Pension Research Council’s mission.…Read More
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! It’s a global day dedicated to supporting positive impact and strengthening communities. We look forward to sharing how you can support the Pension Research Council’s mission.…Read More
New research from Wharton’s Pension Research Council shows that both financial and health literacy decline with age. Notably, women’s literacy scores start lower, widening a growing vulnerability. Led by Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell, the study calls for intervention in education and plan design.…Read More
A new study by Olivia S. Mitchell and colleagues confirms that annuities still make sense for retirees facing rising long term care costs. The authors find that guaranteed lifetime income, especially from deferred or variable annuities, can help protect people with higher longevity risk.…Read More
Over the past two decades, employers have helped workers save for retirement through automatic 401(k) enrollment and target-date funds. But few help them spend wisely in retirement. Professor Olivia S Mitchell proposes that legislators make annuities the default option in 401(k)s, giving retirees steady income for life. It’s a smart, equitable step toward real retirement security.…Read More
