John Beshears

Harvard University - Business School (HBS)

Soldiers Field Road

Morgan 270C

Boston, MA 02163

United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

United States

SCHOLARLY PAPERS

37

DOWNLOADS
Rank 10,116

SSRN RANKINGS

Top 10,116

in Total Papers Downloads

9,298

TOTAL CITATIONS
Rank 1,369

SSRN RANKINGS

Top 1,369

in Total Papers Citations

417

Scholarly Papers (37)

1.

A Mega-Study of Text-Based Nudges Encouraging Patients to Get Vaccinated at an Upcoming Doctor’s Appointment

Rotman School of Management Working Paper No. 3780267, Columbia Business School Research Paper Forthcoming
Number of pages: 75 Posted: 19 Feb 2021 Last Revised: 05 May 2021
University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania - Operations & Information Management Department, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University - Columbia Business School, Management, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Pennsylvania, Geisinger Health System, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Yale School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management, Geisinger Health System, University of Toronto - Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Northwestern University, University of Toronto, Harvard University - Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania - Marketing Department, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, Geisinger Health System - Bioethics Research, Columbia University, Harvard Business School, Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Geisinger Health System, University of Toronto - Behavioural Economics in Action at Rotman (BEAR), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Arizona, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at West O'ahu, University of Pennsylvania - Marketing Department, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania - Department of Psychology
Downloads 2,387 (12,420)
Citation 31

Abstract:

Loading...

vaccination, COVID-19, nudge, influenza, field experiment

2.

Should Governments Invest More in Nudging?

Harvard Public Law Working Paper No. 17-42
Number of pages: 33 Posted: 08 Jun 2017
University of California at Los Angeles, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard Law School, University of Chicago - Booth School of Business, Google Inc., ideas42, ideas42 and Government of the United States of America - Department of Defense
Downloads 1,142 (38,161)
Citation 72

Abstract:

Loading...

nudge, nudge unit, choice architecture, behavioral science, behavioral economics, savings, pension plan, education, college enrollment, energy, electricity usage, preventive health, influenza vaccination, flu shot

3.

How Do Consumers Respond When Default Options Push the Envelope?

Number of pages: 45 Posted: 11 Oct 2017
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), University of California at Los Angeles, City University London and University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
Downloads 549 (101,593)
Citation 6

Abstract:

Loading...

Default, Savings, Defined Contribution Plan, Behavioral Economics, Field Experiments

4.

Behavioral Household Finance

NBER Working Paper No. w24854
Number of pages: 117 Posted: 01 Aug 2018 Last Revised: 31 May 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 444 (131,304)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

5.
Downloads 413 (142,959)
Citation 36

How are Preferences Revealed?

Yale ICF Working Paper No. 08-15
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 25 Apr 2008
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 338 (177,190)
Citation 6

Abstract:

Loading...

preferences, normative preferences, revealed preferences, consumer behavior

How are Preferences Revealed?

NBER Working Paper No. w13976
Number of pages: 22 Posted: 12 May 2008 Last Revised: 10 Sep 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 75 (637,695)
Citation 30

Abstract:

Loading...

Who Selected Adjustable-Rate Mortgages? Evidence from the 1989-2007 Surveys of Consumer Finances

Harvard Business School Finance Working Paper No. 10-083
Number of pages: 49 Posted: 24 Mar 2010
Daniel Bergstresser and John Beshears
Brandeis International Business School and Harvard University - Business School (HBS)
Downloads 250 (242,719)
Citation 15

Abstract:

Loading...

Mortgages, Brokers, Adjustable-Rate Mortgages.

Who Selected Adjustable-Rate Mortgages? Evidence from the 1989-2007 Surveys of Consumer Finances

Number of pages: 46 Posted: 05 Nov 2009
John Beshears and Daniel Bergstresser
Harvard University - Business School (HBS) and Brandeis International Business School
Downloads 125 (449,664)

Abstract:

Loading...

Mortgages, ARMs

How Does Simplified Disclosure Affect Individuals' Mutual Fund Choices?

HKS Working Paper No. RWP09_16, Yale ICF Working Paper No. 09-05
Number of pages: 27 Posted: 08 May 2009 Last Revised: 24 Jun 2009
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 272 (222,908)
Citation 9

Abstract:

Loading...

How Does Simplified Disclosure Affect Individuals' Mutual Fund Choices?

NBER Working Paper No. w14859
Number of pages: 27 Posted: 13 Apr 2009 Last Revised: 08 Aug 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 91 (566,930)

Abstract:

Loading...

8.
Downloads 313 (193,613)
Citation 12

Simplification and Saving

Yale ICF Working Paper No. 08-07
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 25 Jan 2008
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 245 (247,718)

Abstract:

Loading...

retirement savings, asset allocation, 401(k)

Simplification and Saving

NBER Working Paper No. w12659
Number of pages: 35 Posted: 20 Nov 2006 Last Revised: 05 Aug 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 68 (672,770)
Citation 12

Abstract:

Loading...

9.

Mental Accounting and Small Windfalls: Evidence from an Online Grocer

Harvard NOM Working Paper No. 08-024
Number of pages: 33 Posted: 01 Oct 2007 Last Revised: 08 May 2012
Katherine L. Milkman and John Beshears
University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School and Harvard University - Business School (HBS)
Downloads 303 (201,938)
Citation 31

Abstract:

Loading...

10.

Do Sell-Side Stock Analysts Exhibit Escalation of Commitment?

Number of pages: 53 Posted: 20 Jun 2008 Last Revised: 08 May 2012
John Beshears and Katherine L. Milkman
Harvard University - Business School (HBS) and University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
Downloads 246 (247,908)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

Stock Analysts, Forecasting, Escalation

Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Public Sector Pension Plans

HKS Working Paper No. RWP11-013
Number of pages: 47 Posted: 15 Mar 2011
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 121 (461,185)
Citation 10

Abstract:

Loading...

Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Public Sector Pension Plans

NBER Working Paper No. w16728
Number of pages: 46 Posted: 31 Jan 2011 Last Revised: 18 Mar 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 112 (489,661)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

12.

Using Fresh Starts to Nudge Increased Retirement Savings

Beshears, J., Dai, H., Milkman, K.L., & Benartzi, S. (2021). Using fresh starts to nudge increased retirement savings. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. 167, 72-87.
Number of pages: 66 Posted: 09 Aug 2021
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management, University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School and UCLA Anderson
Downloads 231 (263,544)
Citation 7

Abstract:

Loading...

choice architecture, nudge, randomized field experiment, fresh start, savings

13.

Does Front-Loading Taxation Increase Savings? Evidence from Roth 401(K) Introductions

NBER Working Paper No. w20738
Number of pages: 44 Posted: 15 Dec 2014 Last Revised: 02 Mar 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 213 (285,871)
Citation 6

Abstract:

Loading...

The Effect of Providing Peer Information on Retirement Savings Decisions

Journal of Finance, Forthcoming
Number of pages: 54 Posted: 30 Aug 2014
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
Downloads 105 (513,890)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

The Effect of Providing Peer Information on Retirement Savings Decisions

NBER Working Paper No. w17345
Number of pages: 56 Posted: 29 Aug 2011 Last Revised: 25 May 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
Downloads 59 (722,917)
Citation 43

Abstract:

Loading...

Following Through on Good Intentions: The Power of Planning Prompts

HKS Working Paper No. 12-024
Number of pages: 24 Posted: 30 Mar 2012 Last Revised: 19 Jun 2012
University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 97 (543,576)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

behavioral economics, implementation intentions, health, colonoscopy, planning

Following Through on Good Intentions: The Power of Planning Prompts

NBER Working Paper No. w17995
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 14 Apr 2012 Last Revised: 04 Mar 2023
University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 53 (760,247)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

Liquidity in Retirement Savings Systems: An International Comparison

NBER Working Paper No. w21168
Number of pages: 13 Posted: 18 May 2015
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Boston College - Center for Retirement Research, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 82 (605,371)
Citation 11

Abstract:

Loading...

Liquidity in Retirement Savings Systems: An International Comparison

HKS Working Paper No. RWP15-024
Number of pages: 13 Posted: 03 Jun 2015
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Boston College - Center for Retirement Research, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 66 (683,410)

Abstract:

Loading...

Retirement, liquidity, savings, finance

17.

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Evidence from Administrative Data and Implications for Plan Design

Number of pages: 33 Posted: 11 Mar 2024 Last Revised: 25 Mar 2024
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Stanford University, The Vanguard Group, Inc., The Vanguard Group, Inc. and Harvard University - Department of Economics
Downloads 144 (400,869)

Abstract:

Loading...

retirement savings, 401(k) plans, withdrawals, loans

Borrowing to Save? The Impact of Automatic Enrollment on Debt

Journal of Finance, Forthcoming
Number of pages: 53 Posted: 22 Mar 2021
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and Mason School of Business, College of William & Mary
Downloads 80 (614,468)

Abstract:

Loading...

automatic enrollment, debt, nudge

Borrowing to Save? The Impact of Automatic Enrollment on Debt

NBER Working Paper No. w25876
Number of pages: 48 Posted: 28 May 2019 Last Revised: 16 Mar 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and Mason School of Business, College of William & Mary
Downloads 64 (694,286)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

19.

The Importance of Default Options for Retirement Savings Outcomes: Evidence from the United States

NBER Working Paper No. w12009
Number of pages: 39 Posted: 22 Apr 2006 Last Revised: 26 Oct 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 141 (407,735)
Citation 25

Abstract:

Loading...

20.

Modeling Expert Opinions on Food Healthiness: A Nutrition Metric

Harvard Business School NOM Working Paper No. 08-082
Number of pages: 27 Posted: 06 Mar 2008 Last Revised: 20 Jan 2014
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Harvard University - Business School (HBS), University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard Business School - Negotiations, Organizations and Markets Unit and Dartmouth College - Dartmouth Medical School
Downloads 138 (414,550)

Abstract:

Loading...

21.

Does 401(k) Loan Repayment Crowd Out Retirement Saving? Implications for Plan Design

Wharton Pension Research Council Working Paper No. 2024-22
Number of pages: 32 Posted: 07 Oct 2024
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, The Vanguard Group, Inc., The Vanguard Group, Inc., The Vanguard Group, Inc. and Harvard University - Department of Economics
Downloads 132 (429,161)

Abstract:

Loading...

401(k) plans, 401(k) loans, retirement saving, hardship withdrawals, emergency withdrawals

22.

Does Aggregated Returns Disclosure Increase Portfolio Risk-Taking?

NBER Working Paper No. w16868
Number of pages: 47 Posted: 14 Mar 2011 Last Revised: 03 Feb 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 116 (473,902)
Citation 6

Abstract:

Loading...

23.
Downloads 103 (517,026)
Citation 7

The Availability and Utilization of 401(K) Loans

HKS Working Paper No. RWP11-023
Number of pages: 36 Posted: 14 Jun 2011
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 57 (734,915)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

retirement economics, 401(k) loans, employment benefits

The Availability and Utilization of 401(K) Loans

NBER Working Paper No. w17118
Number of pages: 36 Posted: 12 Jun 2011 Last Revised: 10 Apr 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 46 (809,006)
Citation 4

Abstract:

Loading...

24.
Downloads 87 (580,337)

Optimal Illiquidity

TIAA Institute Research Paper Series No. 170
Number of pages: 51 Posted: 27 Sep 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Yale School of Management, University of Cambridge - Department of Applied Economics, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 45 (816,415)

Abstract:

Loading...

household saving, wealth, retirement, government, policy, regulation

Optimal Illiquidity

NBER Working Paper No. w27459
Number of pages: 64 Posted: 07 Jul 2020 Last Revised: 13 Jul 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Yale School of Management, University of Cambridge - Department of Applied Economics, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 42 (839,299)

Abstract:

Loading...

25.

Self Control and Commitment: Can Decreasing the Liquidity of a Savings Account Increase Deposits?

NBER Working Paper No. w21474
Number of pages: 55 Posted: 25 Aug 2015 Last Revised: 06 Mar 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, University of Cambridge - Department of Applied Economics, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Downloads 87 (576,398)
Citation 9

Abstract:

Loading...

26.

Building Emergency Savings Through Employer-Sponsored Rainy-Day Savings Accounts

NBER Working Paper No. w26498
Number of pages: 72 Posted: 03 Dec 2019 Last Revised: 28 May 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Brookings Institution, AARP Public Policy Institute, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 82 (597,200)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

27.

The Impact of Employer Matching on Savings Plan Participation Under Automatic Enrollment

NBER Working Paper No. w13352
Number of pages: 24 Posted: 27 Aug 2007 Last Revised: 26 Dec 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 75 (627,842)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

28.

What Makes Annuitization More Appealing?

NBER Working Paper No. w18575
Number of pages: 43 Posted: 30 Nov 2012 Last Revised: 03 Apr 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and Columbia University - Columbia Business School
Downloads 74 (632,403)
Citation 8

Abstract:

Loading...

29.

Who Uses the Roth 401(K), and How Do They Use it?

NBER Working Paper No. w19193
Number of pages: 33 Posted: 03 Jul 2013 Last Revised: 12 Jun 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 67 (665,974)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

30.

Early Decisions: A Regulatory Framework

NBER Working Paper No. w11920
Number of pages: 28 Posted: 01 Jun 2006 Last Revised: 29 Jul 2022
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 65 (676,204)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

31.

Using Implementation Intentions Prompts to Enhance Influenza Vaccination Rates

NBER Working Paper No. w17183
Number of pages: 27 Posted: 05 Jul 2011 Last Revised: 15 Jun 2023
University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 56 (731,209)
Citation 45

Abstract:

Loading...

32.

Active Choice, Implicit Defaults, and the Incentive to Choose

NBER Working Paper No. w25473
Number of pages: 41 Posted: 23 Jan 2019 Last Revised: 06 Feb 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics and Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
Downloads 47 (782,238)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

33.

Automatic Enrollment with a 12% Default Contribution Rate

NBER Working Paper No. w31601
Number of pages: 52 Posted: 30 Aug 2023
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Northwestern University, Harvard University - Department of Economics, Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and Yale School of Management
Downloads 36 (864,736)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

34.

Does Pension Automatic Enrollment Increase Debt? Evidence from a Large-Scale Natural Experiment

NBER Working Paper No. w32100
Number of pages: 80 Posted: 05 Feb 2024
Harvard University - Business School (HBS), NEST Corporation, Yale School of Management, University of Nottingham, University of Nottingham - School of Economics, Harvard University - Department of Economics, NEST Corporation, University of Nottingham, NEST Corporation and University of Warwick
Downloads 13 (1,098,867)
  • Add to Cart

Abstract:

Loading...

35.

Employer-Based Short-Term Savings Accounts

NBER Working Paper No. w32074
Number of pages: 46 Posted: 22 Jan 2024
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), Harvard University - Business School (HBS), Harvard College, Yale School of Management and Harvard University - Department of Economics
Downloads 8 (1,158,515)
  • Add to Cart

Abstract:

Loading...

36.

Smaller than We Thought? The Effect of Automatic Savings Policies

NBER Working Paper No. w32828
Number of pages: 62 Posted: 19 Aug 2024
Yale School of Management, Harvard University - Department of Economics, University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University and Harvard University - Business School (HBS)
Downloads 6 (1,181,979)
  • Add to Cart

Abstract:

Loading...

37.

Automating Short-Term Payroll Savings: Evidence from Two Large U.K. Experiments

NBER Working Paper No. w32581
Number of pages: 73 Posted: 18 Jun 2024
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), Yale School of Management, Harvard College, Harvard University - Business School (HBS) and Harvard University - Department of Economics
Downloads 3 (1,216,066)
  • Add to Cart

Abstract:

Loading...