Why Don't the Poor Save More? Evidence from Health Savings Experiments

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2013
Volume: 103
Issue: 4
Pages: 1138-71

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

Using data from a field experiment in Kenya, we document that providing individuals with simple informal savings technologies can substantially increase investment in preventative health and reduce vulnerability to health shocks. Simply providing a safe place to keep money was sufficient to increase health savings by 66 percent. Adding an earmarking feature was only helpful when funds were put toward emergencies, or for individuals that are frequently taxed by friends and relatives. Group-based savings and credit schemes had very large effects.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:103:y:2013:i:4:p:1138-71
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25