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Is automatic enrollment consistent with a life cycle model?

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  • Jason S. Scott
  • John B. Shoven
  • Sita N. Slavov
  • John G. Watson

Abstract

We examine retirement saving for young adults in a life cycle model. We find that optimal retirement saving is zero for liquidity‐constrained young adults who anticipate significant earnings growth. With a plausible age‐earnings profile for college‐educated workers, retirement saving does not begin until the late 30s or early 40s. Workers facing a flat earnings profile begin saving much sooner. Participating may be optimal for younger workers facing steep earnings profiles if they anticipate switching jobs and cashing out after 1–2 years. Our results suggest that automatically enrolling workers, regardless of age, is not consistent with a life cycle model.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason S. Scott & John B. Shoven & Sita N. Slavov & John G. Watson, 2022. "Is automatic enrollment consistent with a life cycle model?," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 60(1), pages 9-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:60:y:2022:i:1:p:9-20
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nicoleta Ciurilă & Carolijn Kok & Harry ter Rele & Peter Zwaneveld, 2022. "Optimizing the Life-Cycle Path of Pension Premium Payments and the Pension Ambition in the Netherlands," De Economist, Springer, vol. 170(1), pages 69-105, February.
    2. Harry ter Rele & Carolijn de Kok & Nicoleta Ciurila & Peter Zwaneveld, 2021. "Optimizing the life cycle path of pension premium payments and the pension ambition in the Netherlands," CPB Discussion Paper 421.rdf, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
    3. Derby, Elena & Mackie, Kathleen & Mortenson, Jacob, 2023. "Worker and spousal responses to automatic enrollment," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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