Better strategies for saving more: Evidence from three interventions in Chile

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Development Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 173
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Individual behavioral biases can affect savings behavior. We conduct an experiment to evaluate different strategies to increase savings. We compare an automatic savings plan (or default rule), monthly reminders, and a rule-of-thumb savings package that appeals to careful spending. We find that rule-of-thumb and default rules can increase savings for one year after the intervention. In contrast, reminders can reduce account balances and debt levels. The increase in savings under the default rule is produced by a (mechanical) increase in deposits, but savings is later decreased by an increase in withdrawals.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:deveco:v:173:y:2025:i:c:s0304387824001548
Journal Field
Development
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24