Tax-Preferred Savings Vehicles: Can Financial Education Improve Asset Location Decisions?

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Boyer, M. Martin; D'Astous, Philippe; Michaud, Pierre-Carl
• 署名单位: Universite de Montreal; HEC Montreal; Universite de Montreal; National Bureau of Economic Research
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_00973
• 发表日期: 2022-05
• 页码: 541-556
• 关键词: allocation; literacy; increase; accounts; taxation; iras; RISK

摘要

In this study, we conduct a stated-choice experiment to analyze the decision to contribute to either a front- or back-loaded tax-preferred retirement savings account. Our experimental design includes a randomized financial education intervention that provides information on the tax implications of both types of account. Respondents who were exposed to the intervention have greater knowledge of these accounts and make contribution choices that increase their after-tax income. Using a well-defined benchmark, we show that on average, respondents who experienced the intervention increase their discounted welfare by about 4% of their contribution amount.