Plans

Inclusion and Inequality through the Lens of Retirement Savings

A couple appears stressed, surrounded by medical bills, debt signs, and a jar labeled "Retirement Savings." A chart indicates a rising cost of living.

Today, the definition of “financial inclusion” has broadened to encompass access to banking institutions and financial products and services. But this broad financial network is not inclusive in the U.S., and millions remain unbanked or underbanked. Prof. Bogan addresses this inequality in her recent work, analyzing key obstacles to retirement savings that perpetuate inequality and offering a path forward towards financial inclusion.…Read More

Temporary Detour: Most 401(k) Plan Loans Don’t Disrupt Long-Term Saving Progress

A road sign reading "Detour Ahead, Rejoins main road in 2 miles" on an orange background.

Do early 401(k) loans hurt retirement savings? Beshears and coauthors use Vanguard data to show that most workers who access their plans before retirement continue contributing, often increasing savings to rebuild their balances. Their research findings suggest that short-term access to DC plans doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of long-term retirement security.…Read More