The Retirement-Consumption Puzzle: Anticipated and Actual Declines in Spending at Retirement

32 Pages Posted: 20 Mar 2003 Last revised: 13 Mar 2022

See all articles by Michael D. Hurd

Michael D. Hurd

RAND Corporation; State University of New York at Stony Brook - College of Arts and Science - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Susann Rohwedder

RAND Corporation

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Date Written: March 2003

Abstract

The simple one-good model of life-cycle consumption requires consumption smoothing.' However, British and U.S. households apparently reduce consumption at retirement and the reduction cannot be explained by the life-cycle model. An interpretation is that retirees are surprised by the inadequacy of resources. This interpretation challenges the life-cycle model where consumers are forward looking. However, data on anticipated consumption changes at retirement and on realized consumption changes following retirement show that the reductions are fully anticipated. Apparently the decline is due to the cessation of work-related expenses and the substitution of home production for market-purchased goods and services.

Suggested Citation

Hurd, Michael D. and Rohwedder, Susann, The Retirement-Consumption Puzzle: Anticipated and Actual Declines in Spending at Retirement (March 2003). NBER Working Paper No. w9586, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=389456

Michael D. Hurd (Contact Author)

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State University of New York at Stony Brook - College of Arts and Science - Department of Economics ( email )

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Susann Rohwedder

RAND Corporation ( email )

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