Can We Fix Retirement Inequality?
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW Wharton Professor and Penn Wharton Budget Model Faculty Director Kent Smetters discusses how automated retirement savings accounts could help low-income households build up to $200,000 in risk-adjusted savings, supplementing Social Security and promoting intergenerational wealth. He highlights the importance of making these accounts fully bequeathable and revenue-neutral by redirecting existing tax subsidies. This conversation explores solutions for closing the retirement savings gap and building financial security for underserved communities.
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
Learn more at http://whr.tn/rippleeffect.
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Brief Summary
Kent Smetters discusses retirement savings gaps and solutions for low-income households, emphasizing intergenerational wealth creation.
Key points
- Creating Intergenerational Wealth. Smetters explains the need for accounts that can be bequeathed to heirs.
- The Ripple Effect Podcast Introduction. Join host Dan Loney as he explores groundbreaking research from Wharton faculty.
- Retirement Savings Gap. Kent Smetters discusses the disparity in retirement savings among different income brackets.
- Policymakers' Positive Reaction. Smetters shares that policymakers are supportive of new retirement savings ideas.
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Episode highlights
- Creating Intergenerational WealthSmetters explains the need for accounts that can be bequeathed to heirs.“There’s this great need for how do we create intergenerational wealth?”0:31Apr 15, 2025
- The Ripple Effect Podcast IntroductionJoin host Dan Loney as he explores groundbreaking research from Wharton faculty.“Welcome to The Ripple Effect, the podcast that takes you on a journey...”0:39Apr 15, 2025
- Retirement Savings GapKent Smetters discusses the disparity in retirement savings among different income brackets.“About half of households in the United States really don’t have a lot of material savings toward retirement.”1:32Apr 15, 2025
- Policymakers' Positive ReactionSmetters shares that policymakers are supportive of new retirement savings ideas.“The reaction from both sides has been positive.”11:52Apr 15, 2025





