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Reducing the Complexity Costs of 401(k) Participation Through Quick Enrollment

Author

Listed:
  • Laibson, David I.
  • Choi, James J.
  • Madrian, Brigitte

Abstract

The complexity of the retirement savings decision may overwhelm employees, encouraging procrastination and reducing 401(k) enrollment rates. We study a low-cost manipulation designed to simplify the 401(k) enrollment process. Employees are given the option to make a Quick Enrollment [TM] election to enroll in their 401(k) plan at a pre-selected contribution rate and asset allocation. By decoupling the participation decision from the savings rate and asset allocation decisions, the Quick Enrollment [TM] mechanism simplifies the savings plan decision process. We find that at one company, Quick Enrollment[TM] tripled 401(k)participation rates among new employees three months after hire. When Quick Enrollment [TM] was offered to previously hired non-participating employees at two firms, participation increased by 10 to 20 percentage points among those employees affected.

Suggested Citation

  • Laibson, David I. & Choi, James J. & Madrian, Brigitte, 2009. "Reducing the Complexity Costs of 401(k) Participation Through Quick Enrollment," Scholarly Articles 4686772, Harvard University Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hrv:faseco:4686772
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    JEL classification:

    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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