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(Un)Expected Retirement and the Consumption Puzzle

Author

Listed:
  • Margherita Borella

    (University of Turin and CeRP, Collegio Carlo Alberto)

  • Flavia Coda Moscarola

    (CeRP - Collegio Carlo Alberto)

  • Mariacristina Rossi

    (University of Turin and CeRP, Collegio Carlo Alberto)

Abstract

In this work we revisit the retirement consumption puzzle using Italian panel data. As emphasized in the literature, the observed consumption drop might be due to unexpected wealth shocks at retirement, which modify optimal consumption plans. Using an Euler equation approach, we test the impact of unexpected retirement on the consumption patterns of individuals around the age of retirement by using the panel component of the Survey of Household Income and Wealth (SHIW). This data set contains information on the expected age of retirement, which can be used to distinguish between expected and unexpected retirement. We furthermore investigate the heterogeneous behaviour of individuals with different levels of education and wealth. We find evidence of a consumption drop at retirement, especially for low-educated people and individuals with low wealth. The consumption drop at retirement seems to be rationally planned by individuals, rather than a response to unexpected retirement.

Suggested Citation

  • Margherita Borella & Flavia Coda Moscarola & Mariacristina Rossi, 2011. "(Un)Expected Retirement and the Consumption Puzzle," CeRP Working Papers 126, Center for Research on Pensions and Welfare Policies, Turin (Italy).
    • Handle: RePEc:crp:wpaper:126
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    Cited by:

    1. Yingying Dong, 2012. "Regression Discontinuity Applications with Rounding Errors in the Running Variable," Working Papers 111206, University of California-Irvine, Department of Economics.
    2. Yingying Dong & Dennis Yang, 2016. "Mandatory Retirement and the Consumption Puzzle: Prices Decline or Quantities Decline?," Upjohn Working Papers 16-251, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
    3. Amparo Nagore Garcia & Mariacristina Rossi & Arthur van Soest, 2018. "Labour Market Decisions of the Self-Employed in the Netherlands at the Statutory Retirement Age," Working papers 057, Department of Economics, Social Studies, Applied Mathematics and Statistics (Dipartimento di Scienze Economico-Sociali e Matematico-Statistiche), University of Torino.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations

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