Measuring Pension Wealth

TitleMeasuring Pension Wealth
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsCunningham, CR, Engelhardt, GV, Kumar, A
Book TitleRedefining Retirement: How Will Boomers Fare?
PublisherOxford University Press
CityNew York, NY
KeywordsIncome, Net Worth and Assets, Pensions
Abstract

Pension wealth plays a critical role in older individuals' retirement behavior and financial security. Accordingly, the magnitude and distribution of pension wealth is important in the ongoing debate about whether Baby Boomers have adequate retirement savings. This chapter summarizes the results of a long-term effort to develop an improved calculator to measure defined contribution pension wealth of older Americans, implemented using the Health and Retirement Study. Results show that pension wealth resulting from voluntary saving (and accrued earnings thereon) comprises half of DC pension wealth calculated for HRS respondents with matched summary plan descriptions. These are lower mean estimates of DC pension wealth than previously found, mainly resulting from changes for the wealthiest tail of the pension-wealth distribution. The findings imply that researchers must think more carefully about the economic assumptions underlying pension measures.

Notes

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DOI10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199230778.003.0010
Endnote Keywords

Pension Wealth/retirement adequacy/Pension Plans

Endnote ID

18170

Citation Key5215