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BPEA Article

Self-Control and Saving for Retirement

Andrea Repetto, David I. Laibson, and Jeremy Tobacman 1998, No. 1

Abstract

CONSUMERS FACE TWO challenges: making good decisions and sticking
to them. Economists have adopted optimistic assumptions on both
counts. The consumers in mainstream economic models are assumed
both to be exceptionally good decisionmakers and to be able to carry
out their plans. These economic assumptions are dubious, particularly
in regard to saving for retirement.

Commenters

G

George A. Akerlof

Nonresident Senior Fellow - Center on Social Dynamics and Policy

R

Robert E. Hall

Stanford University

William G. Gale

The Arjay and Frances Fearing Miller Chair in Federal Economic Policy

Senior Fellow - Economic Studies

Director - Retirement Security Project

Co-Director - Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

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