Pension Research Council News

Are Default Annuities the Key to Better Retirement Outcomes?

A golden crown placed on top of a white card with the words "Annuity Defaults," set against an orange background.

As policymakers and employers consider including annuities in retirement plans, questions remain about their implementation. A recent article explores the trade-offs of making annuities the default in retirement plans. Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell offers expert insights on fiduciary risks, participant preferences, and financial literacy gaps, highlighting the balance between financial security and retiree autonomy. ...Read More

The Decumulation Dilemma: Outliving Savings and Employer Response

A couple looking concerned while reviewing documents at a table. Coins are stacked near a calculator, suggesting financial stress or budgeting.

Many retirees risk outliving their savings, yet few employers offer tools to help manage spending in retirement. Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell examines why plan sponsors are slow to adopt decumulation solutions. Her insights spotlight the growing urgency for better retirement income planning amid rising financial uncertainty. Read More

The 2-Minute Method to Financial Literacy

An illustration of a person climbing a ladder placed on books labeled "Two-Minute Stories," which bridge a gap labeled "Financial Confusion."

Many adults struggle to understand key financial concepts, leaving them unprepared to navigate today’s complex economy. Wharton Professor Olivia S. Mitchell, an expert on retirement and financial literacy, has new research showing that short two-minute stories can effectively boost financial knowledge—offering a low-cost, scalable solution to help close the literacy gap. Read More

Financially Smart Adults Start With Financially Smart Kids

A teacher sits with a small group of children around a table, teaching them about money. The children are interacting with piggy banks, coins, and paper money, and there is a chart on the table.

Many Americans are financially illiterate, not having been taught basic money facts when young; half of adults get simple money questions wrong. Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell stresses the importance of early financial education, highlighting the powerful role parents and educators play in shaping kids’ money mindsets. Read More

Cognitive Aging and the Decline of Financial Decision-Making

A person in a blazer is giving a presentation on financial literacy to a small group. The presentation covers fraud protection and smart investing, with a chart displayed.

As people age, their financial decision-making abilities can decline, making them more vulnerable to scams and poor financial choices. An expert in financial literacy, Wharton professor Olivia Mitchell advocates better financial literacy and policy to protect older adults from this decline. Read More

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