Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell explains that many retirees underspend because they fear running out of money. That fear can be eased by securing guaranteed lifetime income, such as through lifetime annuities. When retirees know their basics are covered and how much they can safely spend, they feel confident enjoying life without worrying about running out of money.…Read More
Should annuities be a default option in retirement plans? Retirees remain divided, even as Wharton Professor Olivia S. Mitchell’s new research highlights annuities’ potential to provide lifetime income and retirement security. In her recent follow-up article for the WSJ, she addresses readers’ concerns about cost, flexibility, and overall appeal.…Read More
US Baby Boomers, now age 61-79, amassed unprecedented retirement wealth, yet it wasn’t entirely due to their good planning skills, reports Wharton economist Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell. Rising productivity, increasing real earnings, and significant housing appreciation boosted their outcomes, while younger generations benefited far less from these forces.…Read More
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! It’s a global day dedicated to supporting positive impact and strengthening communities. We look forward to sharing how you can support the Pension Research Council’s mission.…Read More
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! It’s a global day dedicated to supporting positive impact and strengthening communities. We look forward to sharing how you can support the Pension Research Council’s mission.…Read More
A new study by Olivia S. Mitchell and colleagues confirms that annuities still make sense for retirees facing rising long term care costs. The authors find that guaranteed lifetime income, especially from deferred or variable annuities, can help protect people with higher longevity risk.…Read More
Over the past two decades, employers have helped workers save for retirement through automatic 401(k) enrollment and target-date funds. But few help them spend wisely in retirement. Professor Olivia S Mitchell proposes that legislators make annuities the default option in 401(k)s, giving retirees steady income for life. It’s a smart, equitable step toward real retirement security.…Read More
Trump-era policy shifts pose new risks to Americans’ retirement security. Yet, as Wharton Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell warns, retirees already depend heavily on Social Security and investment safeguards – making it more critical to plan ahead and push for reforms before protections weaken further.…Read More
Younger generations are likely to need to work longer than did their parents. Yet, as @Wharton Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell cautions, US retirees still rely heavily on Social Security benefits, making it all the more urgent to restore the system’s long-term solvency before benefits must be cut in 7 years…Read More
The U.S. retirement system gets a grade of C+, so what can be done to improve it? Wharton Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell and others explain the appeal of a national defined contribution plan, paired with guaranteed lifetime incomes.…Read More
