Knowledge@Wharton Podcast
A New Book From Wharton’s Pension Research Council
The newest book from the PRC, “Retirement Saving, Investment, and Spending – New Lessons from Behavioral Research” has now published, and is available at Oxford University Press.
Straining The Safety Net
Early access to retirement savings can provide important financial flexibility, but withdrawals could come at a cost to future retirement security. Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell examines how retirement plans can balance short-term financial needs with long-term retirement readiness.
The Wharton School’s Pension Research Council Welcomes The Pew Charitable Trusts as Associate Member
The Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that The Pew Charitable Trusts has joined the Council as an Associate Member for 2026.
Reducing Risk With Annuities
Two-thirds of Americans are more afraid of running out of money than dying, yet only 12% of those age 50+ have bought annuities, a product designed to provide guaranteed lifetime income. Why? New research co-authored by Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell explores how framing and plan design can help retirees reduce the risk of running out ...
Wealth in Retirement with Institutional Trust
New research co-authored by Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell shows that trust is a key driver of retirement saving. When people trust financial institutions, they’re more likely to invest, save, and build higher levels of wealth. Learn how confidence shapes retirement outcomes.
Solving Retirement Income: Where Annuities Fit
Recent research co-authored by Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell unpacks the “annuity puzzle:” why retirees underutilize lifetime income solutions despite their benefits. Discover how behavioral nudges, simpler choices, and earlier engagement could meaningfully boost annuity adoption and improve retirement security here.
Longevity Literacy and Retirement Regret
Most people don’t plan for the risk of living “too long” and the cost it imposes on their retirement. Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell explains in this interview how improving longevity literacy could transform financial decision-making and prevent retirement regret.
Pension Research Council Celebrates Robert I. Mehr Award Recognition
The Pension Research Council congratulates Executive Director Olivia S. Mitchell on receiving the Robert I. Mehr Award. Presented annually by the American Risk and Insurance Association, the Robert I. Mehr Award recognizes the paper published in the Journal of Risk and Insurance 10 years earlier that has best stood the test of time.
The Growing Debt Burden Facing Retirees
Older Americans are carrying more debt into retirement, raising concerns about long-term retirement security as living costs continue to climb. Wharton’s Olivia S. Mitchell explains that longer life expectancies and persistent inflation are making it harder for many retirees to maintain their financial footing. Read her insights here.
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