In 2006, the University of Iowa changed its retirement plan default investment from a money market fund to a target date fund—and the resulting effect on participant behavior was significant.
Retirement Plan Design
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How plan design affects savings and retirement decisions
Retirement plan design influences savings and retirement decisions. The TIAA Institute explores such issues as trends in plan design, the effect simplifying investment choices has on decision-making, plan fee fairness, and others.
TIAA Institute Reports
Original research produced by the TIAA Institute—both independently and in collaboration with noted scholars—examines topics of interest to the academic, nonprofit and public sectors. The reports combine statistical findings with thoughtful, data-driven observations and conclusions to provide in-depth analyses that are informative and appropriate for both technical and general audiences.
October 2021
If policymakers fail to act, Social Security benefits, which provide the largest portion of retirement income for many Americans, will be cut by about 25% starting in 2035
June 2021
Short-term appointments in the academic workforce account for roughly two thirds of all faculty positions. Yet little is known about this segment’s financial needs, experiences and professional stability.
March 2021
Behavioral researchers have explored a variety of potential “nudges” designed to increase retirement savings. But selecting from among different approaches can be surprisingly difficult.
January 2021
The starting age for required minimum distributions from tax-qualified retirement plans was raised in 2019 from 70.5 to 72. How might this change affect household financial behavior?
December 2020
Recognizing households’ needs for flexibility, while discouraging overconsumption, how much liquidity should be built into a socially optimal savings system?
June 2020
Automatic enrollment has proven to be a powerful means of encouraging retirement plan participation in the private sector.
June 2020
Some adjuncts appear to be unaware of their eligibility to participate in a retirement savings plan at the college or university where they work.
June 2020
Retirement plans differ in whether employee or employer contributions are mandated, leaving a critical role for voluntary contributions.