RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 New Evidence on the Effect of Economic Shocks on Retirement Plan Withdrawals JF The Journal of Retirement FD Institutional Investor Journals SP jor.2019.1.046 DO 10.3905/jor.2019.1.046 A1 Ghilarducci, Teresa A1 Radpour, Siavash A1 Webb, Anthony YR 2019 UL https://pm-research.com/content/early/2019/04/19/jor.2019.1.046.abstract AB Using data from the Survey for Income and Program Participation (SIPP), this study investigates the relationship between withdrawals from 401(k) and IRA accounts and household level economic shocks such as job loss, job change, divorce, and the onset of poor health. Workers in low-wage households are more likely to withdraw from their accounts than those in middle and high income households, in part because they are more likely to withdraw when they experience a shock and also experience more shocks. Shocks are associated with about 20% of all retirement account withdrawals and exacerbate pre-existing inequalities in financial preparation for retirement.TOPICS: Retirement, legal/regulatory/public policy