Knowledge@Wharton Podcast
2026 TIAA Paul A. Samuelson Award
The TIAA Institute invites you to submit an entry for the 2020 TIAA Paul A. Samuelson Award for Outstanding Scholarly Writing on Lifelong Financial Security.
Highlights from the PRC Spring Symposium: Public Debt and the Future of Saving and Investment
Hosted by Olivia S. Mitchell and Nikolai Roussanov, Wharton’s Pension Research Council held its annual Spring Symposium in May of 2026, bringing together leading academics, Industry experts, and policymakers to explore the rise of public debt and how it shapes saving, investments, and retirement. Presentations covered the federal debt, social security, investment trends, and retirement ...
The Missing Role of Social Security in Wealth Metrics
Dr. Sylvain Catherine, an Advisory Board member of Wharton’s Pension Research Council, explains why traditional measures of U.S. wealth inequality are incomplete when they exclude Social Security benefits. Read his Q&A with Knowledge at Wharton to learn more.
Join WIPN Philadelphia for a Conversation with Dr. Olivia S. Mitchell
Join WIPN Philadelphia on June 10 for an evening with Dr. Olivia Mitchell! In this fireside chat, hear from Prof. Mitchell, who has shaped national conversations around retirement security for decades.
The Wharton School’s Pension Research Council Welcomes Gaja Capital as Associate Member
The Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that Gaja Capital has joined the Council as an Associate Member for 2026.
The Barriers to “Trump Accounts” Benefits
Many Americans may not realize that “Trump Accounts” still lack key details despite promises of a financial head start for kids. Critics warn they could deepen inequality and offer limited benefits to lower-income families. Wharton economist Olivia S. Mitchell stresses that narrow investment rules and access barriers may limit their impact on long-term financial security.
TIAA Institute & Boettner/Pension Research Council Partnership Call for Proposals
The TIAA Institute & Boettner/Pension Research Council (PRC) Partnership announces a Call for Research Proposals on Behavioral Finance and Retirement. Proposals due May 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST
Diversifying Retirement Security
Many Americans may not realize that key details around proposed “Trump Accounts” are still unsettled, especially how funds will be invested. Early signals suggest a heavy tilt toward U.S. equity index funds, but calls for broader diversification are growing. Wharton economist Olivia S. Mitchell emphasizes that understanding these limits and pushing for diversified options will ...
A 20% Cut Is Closer Than You Think
Most Americans don’t realize Social Security benefits could be cut by ~20% in as soon as 6 years if Congress doesn’t act. Wharton economist Olivia S. Mitchell emphasizes that understanding the risks, increasing savings, and making smart claiming decisions now are critical to protecting long-term retirement security.
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