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Heterogeneity in Intra-Monthly Consumption Patterns, Self-Control, and Savings at Retirement

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  • Giovanni Mastrobuoni
  • Matthew Weinberg

Abstract

Using data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals, this pa- per describes the shape of consumption profiles over the month for Social Security benefit recipients. Individuals with income mostly made up of Social Security ben- efits and who have some savings smooth consumption over the pay period, while individuals with little savings consume 25 percent fewer calories the week before checks are received relative to the week after checks are received. The findings for individuals with little savings are inconsistent with the Permanent Income/Lifecycle Hypothesis, but are consistent with hyperbolic discounting.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Mastrobuoni & Matthew Weinberg, 2007. "Heterogeneity in Intra-Monthly Consumption Patterns, Self-Control, and Savings at Retirement," Carlo Alberto Notebooks 36, Collegio Carlo Alberto.
    • Handle: RePEc:cca:wpaper:36
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    hyperbolic consumption; caloric consumption; paychecks; Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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