2011 chapter
Pension Plan Distributions: The Importance of Financial Literacy
In Financial Literacy: Implications for Retirement Security and the Financial Marketplace.
Contributors: R. Clark, M. Morrill & S. Allen*
open access via pensionresearchcouncil.wharton.upenn.edu (repository)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
4. Quality Education
(OpenAlex)
Source: ORCID
Added: August 30, 2019
Abstract This chapter examines workers' plans to take lump sum distributions versus life annuities from employer retirement plans. The analysis is based on before and after surveys of retirement eligible workers who attended employer-provided retirement planning seminars. We consider workers' planned distributional choices from both defined benefit and 401(k) plans. A minority of respondents plan to take the non-default options, highlighting the importance of framing. Additionally, higher financial literacy is associated with lower rates of annuitization in both plans. We explore how participants change their planned distribution choices after attending seminars that enhance financial knowledge and understanding of retirement plans.