At the 2026 PRC symposium, Dr. Karen Dynan explained how rising Social Security, Medicare, and debt-servicing costs could constrain economic growth, limit the government’s ability to respond to future crises, and leave retirement programs more vulnerable. She cautions that delaying fiscal decisions could make future reforms more abrupt and more burdensome for the households that rely on these programs most.…Read More
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.…Read More
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 of money.…Read More
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.…Read More
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. …Read More
Retirees often regret what they did wrong, including retiring too soon, not saving enough, and not buying lifetime income, report Olivia S. Mitchell of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Abigail Hurwitz from the Hebrew University in their new NBER WP, reported by Kerry Hannon via yahoofinance.com.…Read More
Including annuity options in company 401(k) plans could provide UAW retirees assurance of lifetime income, says Wharton Professor Olivia S. Mitchell, via Reuters.…Read More
