The Effect of Providing Peer Information on Retirement Savings Decisions

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 2015
Volume: 70
Issue: 3
Pages: 1161-1201

Score contribution per author:

0.804 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

type="main"> <title type="main">ABSTRACT</title> <p>Using a field experiment in a 401(k) plan, we measure the effect of disseminating information about peer behavior on savings. Low-saving employees received simplified plan enrollment or contribution increase forms. A randomized subset of forms stated the fraction of age-matched coworkers participating in the plan or age-matched participants contributing at least 6% of pay to the plan. We document an oppositional reaction: the presence of peer information decreased the savings of nonparticipants who were ineligible for 401(k) automatic enrollment, and higher observed peer savings rates also decreased savings. Discouragement from upward social comparisons seems to drive this reaction.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:70:y:2015:i:3:p:1161-1201
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25