Beshears, JohnChoi, James JLaibson, DavidMadrian, Brigitte C2023-05-232023-05-232006-01-012019-08-28https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/43714This paper summarizes the empirical evidence on how defaults impact retirement savings outcomes. After outlining the salient features of the various sources of retirement income in the U.S., the paper presents the empirical evidence on how defaults impact retirement savings outcomes at all stages of the savings lifecycle, including savings plan participation, savings rates, asset allocation, and post-retirement savings distributions. The paper then discusses why defaults have such a tremendous impact on savings outcomes. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of public policy towards retirement saving when defaults matter.Copyright 2006 © Pension Research Council of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.EconomicsWorking Paper