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Fixed and Variable Longevity Annuities in Defined Contribution Plans: Optimal Retirement Portfolios Taking Social Security into Account

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  • Vanya Horneff
  • Raimond Maurer
  • Olivia S. Mitchell

Abstract

This paper investigates retirees’ optimal purchases of fixed and variable longevity income annuities using their defined contribution (DC) plan assets and given their expected Social Security benefits. As an alternative, we also evaluate using plan assets to boost Social Security benefits through delayed claiming. We determine that including deferred income annuities in DC accounts is welfare enhancing for all sex/education groups examined. We also show that providing access to well-designed variable deferred annuities with some equity exposure further enhances retiree wellbeing, compared to having access only to fixed annuities. Nevertheless, for the least educated, delaying claiming Social Security is preferred, whereas the most educated benefit more from using accumulated DC plan assets to purchase deferred annuities.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanya Horneff & Raimond Maurer & Olivia S. Mitchell, 2023. "Fixed and Variable Longevity Annuities in Defined Contribution Plans: Optimal Retirement Portfolios Taking Social Security into Account," NBER Working Papers 30853, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30853
    Note: AG LS
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maurer, Raimond & Mitchell, Olivia S. & Rogalla, Ralph & Siegelin, Ivonne, 2016. "Accounting and actuarial smoothing of retirement payouts in participating life annuities," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 268-283.
    2. Horneff, Wolfram J. & Maurer, Raimond H. & Mitchell, Olivia S. & Stamos, Michael Z., 2010. "Variable payout annuities and dynamic portfolio choice in retirement," Journal of Pension Economics and Finance, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 163-183, April.
    3. Moshe Milevsky, 2005. "Real Longevity Insurance with a Deductible: Introduction to Advanced-Life Delayed Annuities (ALDA)," North American Actuarial Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(4), pages 109-122.
    4. Huaxiong Huang & Moshe A. Milevsky & Virginia R. Young, 2017. "Optimal Purchasing of Deferred Income Annuities When Payout Yields are Mean-Reverting," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 21(1), pages 327-361.
    5. David A. Love, 2010. "The Effects of Marital Status and Children on Savings and Portfolio Choice," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 23(1), pages 385-432, January.
    6. Francisco Gomes, 2020. "Portfolio Choice Over the Life Cycle: A Survey," Annual Review of Financial Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 12(1), pages 277-304, December.
    7. Alicia H. Munnell & Gal Wettstein & Wenliang Hou, 2022. "How best to annuitize defined contribution assets?," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 89(1), pages 211-235, March.
    8. Joachim Inkmann & Paula Lopes & Alexander Michaelides, 2011. "How Deep Is the Annuity Market Participation Puzzle?," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 24(1), pages 279-319.
    9. Andreas Hubener & Raimond Maurer & Olivia S. Mitchell, 2016. "How Family Status and Social Security Claiming Options Shape Optimal Life Cycle Portfolios," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 29(4), pages 937-978.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G53 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Financial Literacy

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