How to Save More for Retirement Using Behavioral Science
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW Katy Milkman, a professor at Wharton, studies psychological factors influencing retirement savings, particularly the "fresh start effect," which motivates people to adopt new financial behaviors during symbolic new beginnings. She found that framing retirement-saving opportunities around fresh-start dates, such as birthdays or New Year's Day, significantly increased savings rates among employees who previously saved little or nothing. However, Milkman also discovered that peer comparisons, particularly highlighting high savings among coworkers, unexpectedly reduced retirement savings participation among lower-income, unionized workers due to feelings of inadequacy or demotivation.
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.
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Brief Summary
Katy Milkman discusses retirement savings, the fresh start effect, and surprising peer influence on saving behaviors.
Key points
- The Fresh Start Effect. Katy Milkman explains how fresh start moments can motivate people to save more for retirement.
- Changing Retirement Savings Behavior. Research shows that aligning savings with fresh start dates increases savings rates significantly.
- The Backfire Effect of Peer Influence. Katy Milkman reveals surprising results about peer influence on savings decisions among union employees.
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Episode highlights
- The Fresh Start EffectKaty Milkman explains how fresh start moments can motivate people to save more for retirement.“Fresh start moments would be an ideal time to pursue goals.”5:21Apr 8, 2025
- Changing Retirement Savings BehaviorResearch shows that aligning savings with fresh start dates increases savings rates significantly.“We see a 20 to 30% increase in savings among those invited to start saving after a fresh start date.”9:05Apr 8, 2025
- The Backfire Effect of Peer InfluenceKaty Milkman reveals surprising results about peer influence on savings decisions among union employees.“When they saw a peer comparison, it reduced the likelihood that they chose to save.”14:20Apr 8, 2025





