Understanding Expenditure Patterns in Retirement

TitleUnderstanding Expenditure Patterns in Retirement
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsButrica, BA, Goldwyn, JH, Johnson, RW
Series TitleUrban Institute Research Report
InstitutionCenter for Retirement Research at Boston College
CityBoston
Call Numberwp_2005/CRRwp_2005-03.pdf
KeywordsConsumption and Savings, Income
Abstract

Understanding the consumption needs of retirees is critical to assessing the adequacy of retirement income and the possible impact of Social Security reform on the well-being of older Americans. This study uses data from the Health and Retirement Study, including a recent supplemental expenditure survey, to analyze spending patterns and consumption needs for adults ages 65 and older. Results indicate that typical older married adults spend 84 percent of after-tax household income, and nonmarried adults spend 92 percent of after-tax income. Even at older ages individuals devote a larger share of their expenditures and income to housing than any other category of goods and services, including health care. Fully 8 percent of married adults report after-tax incomes that fall short of our estimated basic-needs threshold, consisting of housing, health care, food, and clothing. By comparison, only 3 percent of married adults have incomes below the official poverty level.

URLhttps://www.urban.org/research/publication/understanding-expenditure-patterns-retirement
Endnote Keywords

Retirement Incomes/Consumption

Endnote ID

15160

Citation Key5628