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Publications
  • August 2014
  • Article
  • Journal of Public Economics

What Makes Annuitization More Appealing?

By: John Beshears, James J. Choi, David Laibson, Brigitte C. Madrian and Stephen P. Zeldes
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Abstract

We conduct and analyze two large surveys of hypothetical annuitization choices. We find that allowing individuals to annuitize a fraction of their wealth increases annuitization relative to a situation where annuitization is an "all or nothing" decision. Very few respondents choose declining real payout streams over flat or increasing real payout streams of equivalent expected present value. Highlighting the effects of inflation increases demand for cost of living adjustments. Frames that highlight flexibility, control, and investment significantly reduce annuitization. A majority of respondents prefer to receive an extra "bonus" payment during one month of the year that is funded by slightly lower payments in the remaining months. Concerns about later-life income, spending flexibility, and counterparty risk are the most important self-reported motives that influence the annuitization decision.

Keywords

Annuity; Pension; Retirement Income; Framing; Annuities; Retirement

Citation

Beshears, John, James J. Choi, David Laibson, Brigitte C. Madrian, and Stephen P. Zeldes. "What Makes Annuitization More Appealing?" Special Issue on NBER Pensions. Journal of Public Economics 116 (August 2014): 2–16.
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About The Author

John Beshears

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

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More from the Authors
  • Employer-Based Short-Term Savings Accounts By: Sarah Holmes Berk, John Beshears, Jay Garg, James J. Choi and David Laibson
  • Optimal Illiquidity By: John Beshears, James J. Choi, Christopher Clayton, Christopher Harris, David Laibson and Brigitte C. Madrian
  • Automatic Enrollment with a 12% Default Contribution Rate By: John Beshears, Ruofei Guo, David Laibson, Brigitte C. Madrian and James J. Choi
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