SHARE:
Understanding the Determinants of Financial Outcomes and Choices: The Role of Noncognitive Abilities.
General Information
Title
Understanding the Determinants of Financial Outcomes and Choices: The Role of Noncognitive Abilities.
Author
Gianpaolo Parise and Kim Peijnenburg.
Publication Type
Working paper
Outlet
BIS Working Paper No. 640
Year
2017
Abstract
We explore how financial distress and choices are affected by noncognitive abilities. Our measures stem from research in psychology and economics. In a representative panel of households, we find that people in the bottom decile of noncognitive abilities are five times more likely to experience financial distress compared to those in the top decile. Relatedly, individuals with lower noncognitive abilities make financial choices that increase their likelihood of distress: They are less likely to plan for retirement and save, and more likely to buy impulsively and to have unsecured debt. Causality is shown using childhood trauma as an instrument.