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Pension Wealth and the Timing of Retirement

Author

Listed:
  • Torben M. Andersen
  • Anne Katrine Borgbjerg
  • Jonas Maibom

Abstract

We analyze how pension wealth influences retirement timing using 25 years of Danish administrative panel data on wealth and labor market status. Exploiting early-career variation in firm-specific mandatory pension contribution rates, we study labor supply decisions from age 55 onward. Greater pension wealth accelerates labor market exit: at age 63, the elasticity is about 0.3 — an additional 100,000 DKK (15,000 USD) at age 55 reduces earnings by 1% at age 63. Effects intensify near statutory retirement age, driven by self-support and early occupational pension withdrawals. Mandatory savings raise retirement wealth but induce earlier exit, underscoring key behavioral responses for pension policy design.

Suggested Citation

  • Torben M. Andersen & Anne Katrine Borgbjerg & Jonas Maibom, 2026. "Pension Wealth and the Timing of Retirement," CESifo Working Paper Series 12386, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12386
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance

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