Small cues change savings choices

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2017
Volume: 142
Issue: C
Pages: 378-395

Authors (4)

Choi, James J. (Yale University) Haisley, Emily (not in RePEc) Kurkoski, Jennifer (not in RePEc) Massey, Cade (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.505 = (α=2.02 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

We present evidence from randomized field experiments that 401(k) savings choices are significantly affected by one- to two-sentence anchoring, goal-setting, or savings threshold cues embedded in emails sent to employees about their 401(k) plan. Even though these cues contain little to no marginal information, cues that make high savings rates salient increased 401(k) contribution rates by up to 2.9% of income in a pay period, and cues that make low savings rates salient decreased 401(k) contribution rates by up to 1.4% of income in a pay period. Cue effects persist between two months and a year after the email.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:142:y:2017:i:c:p:378-395
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25