Automatic enrollment has transformed U.S. retirement savings, but its long-run impact is more nuanced than early studies suggest. Professor Jonathan Reuter’s investigation shows that while behavioral nudges boost participation, they also anchor employees to defaults, lead to unintended leakage, and can increase household debt. The challenge to retirement plan policymakers is to build plans that boost participation and account for diverse needs.…Read More
A decade-long study of more than 1,000 older adults shows that financial and health literacy decline steadily with age, dropping about one percentage point each year. These findings highlight growing risks in money management and medical decision-making, and point to the need for early, targeted interventions to support financial well-being—particularly for women.…Read More
In their research, Gianpaolo Parise and Kim Peijnenburg demonstrate that traits such as conscientiousness, grit, locus of control, and emotional stability significantly shape individuals’ saving, investing, and retirement planning behaviors. Their findings underscore an important insight: personality traits, alongside income and financial literacy, are critical determinants of long-term wealth accumulation and retirement preparedness.…Read More
When it comes to longevity, the U.S. is falling far behind its peers. Through his analysis, Steve Utkus reveals a sobering reality – Americans not only live shorter lives than citizens of other wealthy nations, but they also spend fewer years in good health. His findings highlight an urgent challenge: Americans get sicker faster and die earlier, despite living in one of the world’s richest nations.…Read More
