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The Availability and Utilization of 401(k) Loans

Author

Listed:
  • Beshears, John

    (Stanford University)

  • Choi, James J.

    (Yale University)

  • Laibson, David

    (Harvard University)

  • Madrian, Brigitte C.

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

We document the loan provisions in 401(k) savings plans and how participants use 401(k) loans. Although only about 22% of savings plan participants who are allowed to borrow from their 401(k) have such a loan at any given point in time, almost half had used a 401(k) loan over a longer, seven-year horizon. The probability of having a loan follows a hump-shaped pattern with respect to age, job tenure, account balance, and salary, but conditional on having a loan, loan size as a fraction of 401(k) balances declines with respect to these variables. Participants are less likely to use loans in plans that charge a higher interest rate, and loans are smaller when plans allow fewer simultaneously outstanding loans, impose a shorter maximum possible loan duration, or charge a lower interest rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Beshears, John & Choi, James J. & Laibson, David & Madrian, Brigitte C., 2011. "The Availability and Utilization of 401(k) Loans," Working Paper Series rwp11-023, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp11-023
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    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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