Financial Sophistication in the Older Population

28 Pages Posted: 25 Feb 2012 Last revised: 5 Apr 2013

See all articles by Annamaria Lusardi

Annamaria Lusardi

Stanford University - Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research

Olivia S. Mitchell

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School; University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Pension Research Council; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Vilsa Curto

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: February 24, 2012

Abstract

This paper examines data on financial sophistication among the U.S. older population, using a special-purpose module implemented in the Health and Retirement Study. We show that financial sophistication is deficient for older respondents (aged 55). Specifically, many in this group lack a basic grasp of asset pricing, risk diversification, portfolio choice, and investment fees. Subpopulations with particular deficits include women, the least educated, persons over the age of 75, and non-Whites. In view of the fact that people are increasingly being asked to take on responsibility for their own retirement security, such lack of knowledge can have serious implications.

Suggested Citation

Lusardi, Annamaria and Mitchell, Olivia S. and Curto, Vilsa, Financial Sophistication in the Older Population (February 24, 2012). Pension Research Council WP 2012-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2010810 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2010810

Annamaria Lusardi

Stanford University - Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://siepr.stanford.edu/people/annamaria-lusardi

Olivia S. Mitchell (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School ( email )

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6365
United States

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Pension Research Council ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Vilsa Curto

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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