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Auswirkungen von Erbschaften und Schenkungen auf die Vermögensbildung privater Personen und Haushalte / The Importance of Intergenerational Transfers for Private Wealth Accumulation: Eine empirische Analyse auf der Basis des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels / An Empirical Analysis of German Survey Data

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  • Westerheide Peter

    (Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW) GmbH, L71, D-68161, Mannheim, Germany)

Abstract

We analyse the saving behaviour of German individuals and households between the ages of 30 and 50 with respect to inheritances and transfers inter vivos, based on recent data from the German Socio-economic Panel. In cross-section regression analysis current wealth holdings are explained by past life-cycle income and transfers received. The approach accounts for the problem of possible time lags in the adaptation of consumption to unexpected intergenerational transfers. Differences in the propensities to save with respect to highly liquid and less liquid wealth categories are taken into consideration as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Westerheide Peter, 2005. "Auswirkungen von Erbschaften und Schenkungen auf die Vermögensbildung privater Personen und Haushalte / The Importance of Intergenerational Transfers for Private Wealth Accumulation: Eine empirische A," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 225(4), pages 459-481, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:225:y:2005:i:4:p:459-481
    DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2005-0407
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    1. Pasteau, Etienne & Zhu, Junyi, 2018. "Love and money with inheritance: Marital sorting by labor income and inherited wealth in the modern partnership," Discussion Papers 23/2018, Deutsche Bundesbank.
    2. Rotfuß, Waldemar & Westerheide, Peter, 2008. "Höhe und Struktur der Vermögen privater Haushalte: Baden-Württemberg im Vergleich der Bundesländer," ZEW Expertises, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, number 111467.

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