How closely are health and retirement linked? New research by Professors Slavov and Chung finds that health shocks experienced by an individual or their partner often lead to earlier-than-planned retirement, while retirement itself can bring modest health improvements when not driven by illness. Their findings emphasize the importance of incorporating health risks and trajectories into retirement planning and policy design.…Read More
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.…Read More
How risky are health care costs in retirement? Dr. Banerjee finds that while most retirees face manageable, predictable expenses, a small share experience severe financial shocks, especially from long-term care. His research highlights that these risks are highly concentrated and tend to arise late in life, underscoring the need for better planning and stronger policy solutions around long-term care.…Read More
Can aging societies still grow? Dr. Park and Dr. Shin argue that they can, thanks to the “silver dividend” created by healthier older workers staying economically active. However, their research finds that the main drag on growth comes not from labor shortages but from weaker productivity gains, emphasizing the need for policies that foster innovation and efficiency in an aging world.…Read More
What drives individuals to avoid annuities, even when they offer protection against outliving their savings? Hallstein, Liebler, and Maurer highlight the role of loss aversion, showing how fear of “losing” an investment can increase demand for costly guarantees and reduce lifetime income. Their findings underscore the importance of clearer communication and better product design to help individuals and advisers make more informed retirement decisions.…Read More
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 be key to retirement security.…Read More
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.…Read More
What steps can solo-agers take to protect their independence as housing and financial needs evolve? Anna Rappaport highlights the critical role of proactive housing decisions, financial planning, and support network development in later life. Her insights suggest what thoughtful preparation and practical actions individuals and advisers can take to help solo-agers age with confidence and stability.…Read More
President Trump says new child savings accounts can build generational wealth, but Wharton School economist Professor Olivia S. Mitchell emphasizes that consistent contributions and long-term investing are key to realizing meaningful rewards. Thoughtful planning across a long compounding window can assure consistent results.…Read More
Elon Musk believes that AI will make retirement saving obsolete, but Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell calls the advice risky and potentially financially damaging. Experts understand that optimistic scenarios may fail, so we must still plan and save for retirement!…Read More
