Estimating Prudence

TitleEstimating Prudence
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsEisenhauer, JG
JournalEastern Economic Journal
Volume26
Issue4
Pagination379-92
Call Numberpubs_2000_Eisenhauer_JEastEcon.pdf
KeywordsConsumption and Savings, End of life decisions, Insurance
Abstract

This study uses an expected utility model of life insurance demand to derive reduced form equations for the Leland-Kimball measures of absolute and relative prudence. The model is estimated for various demographic subgroups using survey data form the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Study. The estimates of relative prudence range from 1.51 to 5.15, with males at the lower end and females at the higher end of the range. Additionally, prudence is higher among older and married cohorts than among younger and unmarried cohorts, respectively; and smokers, drinkers, and risk-takers appear to be less prudent than their respective counterparts.

Notes

ProCite field 3 : Canisius College, NY

URLhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/40326439
Endnote Keywords

Insurance/Insurance Companies/Criteria for Decision Making under Risk and Uncertainty/Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis/Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis/Insurance

Endnote ID

1156

Citation Key6683