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Empirical Household Finance
Theresa Kuchler (NYU Stern)
Overview
Three classes:
1. Questions and topics on household finance
2. Recent work: Online data sources
3. Recent work: Administrative data sources
1
Recent Work: Online Data Sources
• “Sticking to Your Plan: Hyperbolic Discounting and Credit CardDebt Paydown” Theresa Kuchler, 2015
• “Debt and the Consumption Response to Household IncomeShocks” Scott Baker, 2014
• “Disentangling Financial Constraints, Precautionary Savings, andMyopia: Household Behavior Surrounding Federal Tax Returns”Baugh, Brian, Itzhak Ben-David, and Hoonsuk Park, 2013
• “Harnessing Naturally Occuring Data to Measure the Responseof Spending to Income” Michael Gelman, Shachar Kariv,Matthew D. Shapiro, Dan Silverman and Steven Tadelis. Science345(6193) (2014), 212-15
2
Recent Work: Online Data Sources
• “Sticking to Your Plan: Hyperbolic Discounting and Credit CardDebt Paydown” Theresa Kuchler, 2015
• “Debt and the Consumption Response to Household IncomeShocks” Scott Baker, 2014
• “Disentangling Financial Constraints, Precautionary Savings, andMyopia: Household Behavior Surrounding Federal Tax Returns”Baugh, Brian, Itzhak Ben-David, and Hoonsuk Park, 2013
• “Harnessing Naturally Occuring Data to Measure the Responseof Spending to Income” Michael Gelman, Shachar Kariv,Matthew D. Shapiro, Dan Silverman and Steven Tadelis. Science345(6193) (2014), 212-15
2
Recent Work: Online Data Sources
• “Sticking to Your Plan: Hyperbolic Discounting and Credit CardDebt Paydown” Theresa Kuchler, 2015
• “Debt and the Consumption Response to Household IncomeShocks” Scott Baker, 2014
• “Disentangling Financial Constraints, Precautionary Savings, andMyopia: Household Behavior Surrounding Federal Tax Returns”Baugh, Brian, Itzhak Ben-David, and Hoonsuk Park, 2013
• “Harnessing Naturally Occuring Data to Measure the Responseof Spending to Income” Michael Gelman, Shachar Kariv,Matthew D. Shapiro, Dan Silverman and Steven Tadelis. Science345(6193) (2014), 212-15
2
Recent Work: Online Data Sources
• “Sticking to Your Plan: Hyperbolic Discounting and Credit CardDebt Paydown” Theresa Kuchler, 2015
• “Debt and the Consumption Response to Household IncomeShocks” Scott Baker, 2014
• “Disentangling Financial Constraints, Precautionary Savings, andMyopia: Household Behavior Surrounding Federal Tax Returns”Baugh, Brian, Itzhak Ben-David, and Hoonsuk Park, 2013
• “Harnessing Naturally Occuring Data to Measure the Responseof Spending to Income” Michael Gelman, Shachar Kariv,Matthew D. Shapiro, Dan Silverman and Steven Tadelis. Science345(6193) (2014), 212-15
2
“Sticking to Your Plan: Hyperbolic Discounting and Credit Card DebtPaydown”
Theresa Kuchler, 2015
3
Goal and Data
Question: Why do people hold large credit card balances at highcost over substantial time horizons?
Goal: Understand the role of present bias in debt paydown
Data: Sample of users of financial management website
• Account balances
• Spending on credit and debit card
• Income
• Planned paydown
4
Goal and Data
Question: Why do people hold large credit card balances at highcost over substantial time horizons?
Goal: Understand the role of present bias in debt paydown
Data: Sample of users of financial management website
• Account balances
• Spending on credit and debit card
• Income
• Planned paydown
4
Goal and Data
Question: Why do people hold large credit card balances at highcost over substantial time horizons?
Goal: Understand the role of present bias in debt paydown
Data: Sample of users of financial management website
• Account balances
• Spending on credit and debit card
• Income
• Planned paydown
4
Present Bias - Definition
Present Bias
• More impatient in short-run (βδ) than long-run (δ)
Ut = u(ct) + β
∞∑τ=t+1
δτu(cτ )
→ Time inconsistent
• Two present-biased types− Fully Aware → Sophisticated
− Unaware of changing preferences → Naive
→ Two features of present bias:− Extent of short-run impatience (β)
− Sophistication
5
Present Bias - Definition
Present Bias
• More impatient in short-run (βδ) than long-run (δ)
Ut = u(ct) + β
∞∑τ=t+1
δτu(cτ )
→ Time inconsistent
• Two present-biased types− Fully Aware → Sophisticated
− Unaware of changing preferences → Naive
→ Two features of present bias:− Extent of short-run impatience (β)
− Sophistication
5
Present Bias - Definition
Present Bias
• More impatient in short-run (βδ) than long-run (δ)
Ut = u(ct) + β
∞∑τ=t+1
δτu(cτ )
→ Time inconsistent
• Two present-biased types− Fully Aware → Sophisticated
− Unaware of changing preferences → Naive
→ Two features of present bias:− Extent of short-run impatience (β)
− Sophistication
5
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns
− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Overview
1. Relate features of present bias to spending patterns− Level of short-run impatience
− Awareness of future short-run impatience/sophistication
2. Assess who sticks to plan of debt reduction
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations (e.g., creditconstraints, unrealistic expectations)
6
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
7
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
7
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Impatient in short-run
Consumers with high short-run impatience• Highly value current consumption
• Consume higher fraction immediately after receiving paycheck
7
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Very impatient in short-run
Impatient in short-run
Consumers with high short-run impatience• Highly value current consumption
• Consume higher fraction immediately after receiving paycheck
7
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Not impatient in short-run
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Not impatient in short-run
Very impatient in short-run
Impatient in short-run
Consumers with no short-run impatience• Smooth consumption over paycycle
• Consumption spending does not depend on when paycheckarrives
7
Short-run Impatience and ConsumptionOver the Paycycle
Setup: Consumer receives regular paycheck every 2 weeks
Fraction
consumed
Not impatient in short-run
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Not impatient in short-run
Very impatient in short-run
Impatient in short-run
→ Higher short-run impatience reflected in sensitivity ofconsumption to paycheck
Framework
7
Sophistication and Effect of Resources
Setup: Consumer sometimes receives higher net paycheck, e. g. bonus
Fraction
consumed
Sophisticated
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
+ Bonus
Fraction
consumed
Naive
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
+ Bonus
Sophisticated consumer aware of• Future propensity to overconsume, relative to long-run
preferences• Resources being partially consumed rather than further passed on
8
Sophistication and Effect of Resources
Setup: Consumer sometimes receives higher net paycheck, e. g. bonus
Fraction
consumed
Sophisticated
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
+ Bonus
Fraction
consumed
Naive
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
+ Bonus
Sophisticated consumer aware of• Future propensity to overconsume, relative to long-run
preferences• Resources being partially consumed rather than further passed on
8
Sophistication and Effect of Resources
Setup: Consumer sometimes receives higher net paycheck, e. g. bonus
Fraction
consumed
Sophisticated
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
High resources
+ Bonus
Fraction
consumed
Naive
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
+ Bonus
Higher paycheck
→ Higher consumption, lower marginal propensity to (over)consume
→ More resources further passed on rather than consumed
→ More worthwhile to act patiently/pass on resources
8
Sophistication and Effect of Resources
Setup: Consumer sometimes receives higher net paycheck, e. g. bonus
Fraction
consumed
Sophisticated
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
High resources
+ Bonus
Fraction
consumed
Naive
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
+ Bonus
→ Sophisticates less sensitive to paycheck when resources high
8
Sophistication and Effect of Resources
Setup: Consumer sometimes receives higher net paycheck, e. g. bonus
Fraction
consumed
Sophisticated
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
High resources
+ Bonus
Fraction
consumed
Naive
Week 1 Week 2
Paycheck
received
Low resources
High resources
+ Bonus
→ Level of resources affects trade-off for sophisticates only
→ Sophistication reflected in effect of resources
8
Estimating Sensitivity to Paycheck
Estimate separately for each user
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i +X ′itψi + εit
where Xit includes month FE and day of week FE
Obs. Mean Std. Dev.25th
pctile
50th
pctile
75th
pctile
%
statistically
> 0
%
statistically
< 0
Short-Run Consumables 516 0.061 0.211 -0.081 0.049 0.199 9.3 1.4
Restaurants&Entertainment 516 0.046 0.201 -0.086 0.052 0.172 5.0 1.0
Sensitivity to Paycheck Receipt
→ Extent of sensitivity as proxy for level of short-run impatience
9
Estimating Sensitivity to Paycheck
Estimate separately for each user
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i +X ′itψi + εit
where Xit includes month FE and day of week FE
Obs. Mean Std. Dev.25th
pctile
50th
pctile
75th
pctile
%
statistically
> 0
%
statistically
< 0
Short-Run Consumables 516 0.061 0.211 -0.081 0.049 0.199 9.3 1.4
Restaurants&Entertainment 516 0.046 0.201 -0.086 0.052 0.172 5.0 1.0
Sensitivity to Paycheck Receipt
→ Extent of sensitivity as proxy for level of short-run impatience
9
Estimating Sensitivity to Paycheck
Estimate separately for each user
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i +X ′itψi + εit
where Xit includes month FE and day of week FE
Obs. Mean Std. Dev.25th
pctile
50th
pctile
75th
pctile
%
statistically
> 0
%
statistically
< 0
Short-Run Consumables 516 0.061 0.211 -0.081 0.049 0.199 9.3 1.4
Restaurants&Entertainment 516 0.046 0.201 -0.086 0.052 0.172 5.0 1.0
Sensitivity to Paycheck Receipt
→ Extent of sensitivity as proxy for level of short-run impatience
9
Estimating Sensitivity to Paycheck
Estimate separately for each user
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i +X ′itψi + εit
where Xit includes month FE and day of week FE
Obs. Mean Std. Dev.25th
pctile
50th
pctile
75th
pctile
%
statistically
> 0
%
statistically
< 0
Short-Run Consumables 516 0.061 0.211 -0.081 0.049 0.199 9.3 1.4
Restaurants&Entertainment 516 0.046 0.201 -0.086 0.052 0.172 5.0 1.0
Sensitivity to Paycheck Receipt
→ Extent of sensitivity as proxy for level of short-run impatience
9
Effect of Resources and Sophistication
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
Sophisticated ⇔ Negative effect of resources on sensitivity (γ3i)
Naive ⇔ Non-negative effect of resources on sensitivity (γ3i)
10
Effect of Resources and Sophistication
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
Sophisticated ⇔ Negative effect of resources on sensitivity (γ3i)
Naive ⇔ Non-negative effect of resources on sensitivity (γ3i)
10
Methodology: Estimating Effect ofResources?
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
• Endogeneity?− Spending Eit affects resourcesi,t+1 directly− Spending Eit potentially affects “taste for consumption” in t+ 1,
i.e. εi,t+1
• Solution− Measure resources at beginning− Instrument for level of resources→ Simulated balances as simulated instrument
11
Methodology: Estimating Effect ofResources?
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
• Endogeneity?
− Spending Eit affects resourcesi,t+1 directly− Spending Eit potentially affects “taste for consumption” in t+ 1,
i.e. εi,t+1
• Solution− Measure resources at beginning− Instrument for level of resources→ Simulated balances as simulated instrument
11
Methodology: Estimating Effect ofResources?
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
• Endogeneity?− Spending Eit affects resourcesi,t+1 directly− Spending Eit potentially affects “taste for consumption” in t+ 1,
i.e. εi,t+1
• Solution− Measure resources at beginning− Instrument for level of resources→ Simulated balances as simulated instrument
11
Methodology: Estimating Effect ofResources?
log(Eit) = αi + payweekitγ1i + resourcesitγ2i
+ resourcesit ∗ payweekitγ3i +X ′itψi + εit
• Endogeneity?− Spending Eit affects resourcesi,t+1 directly− Spending Eit potentially affects “taste for consumption” in t+ 1,
i.e. εi,t+1
• Solution− Measure resources at beginning− Instrument for level of resources→ Simulated balances as simulated instrument
11
Methodology: Simulated Instrument
Idea: Isolate exogenous part of variation, filter out endogenous part
Need: Source of exogenous variation
• Policy change, e.g., tax change
• Discontinuity /kink in allocation formula
• Fixed timing of payments
→ What would have happened if only exogenous variation, noendogenous response?
→ Use simulated /hypothetical variable as instrument for actual
12
Methodology: Simulated Instrument
Idea: Isolate exogenous part of variation, filter out endogenous part
Need: Source of exogenous variation
• Policy change, e.g., tax change
• Discontinuity /kink in allocation formula
• Fixed timing of payments
→ What would have happened if only exogenous variation, noendogenous response?
→ Use simulated /hypothetical variable as instrument for actual
12
Methodology: Simulated Instrument
Idea: Isolate exogenous part of variation, filter out endogenous part
Need: Source of exogenous variation
• Policy change, e.g., tax change
• Discontinuity /kink in allocation formula
• Fixed timing of payments
→ What would have happened if only exogenous variation, noendogenous response?
→ Use simulated /hypothetical variable as instrument for actual
12
Methodology: Simulated Instrument
Idea: Isolate exogenous part of variation, filter out endogenous part
Need: Source of exogenous variation
• Policy change, e.g., tax change
• Discontinuity /kink in allocation formula
• Fixed timing of payments
→ What would have happened if only exogenous variation, noendogenous response?
→ Use simulated /hypothetical variable as instrument for actual
12
Methodology: Simulated Instrument
Idea: Isolate exogenous part of variation, filter out endogenous part
Need: Source of exogenous variation
• Policy change, e.g., tax change
• Discontinuity /kink in allocation formula
• Fixed timing of payments
→ What would have happened if only exogenous variation, noendogenous response?
→ Use simulated /hypothetical variable as instrument for actual
12
Estimating Effect of Resources:Simulated Balances
Endogeneity of resource level and spending
→ Instrument for resources usingHypothetical balances based on regular, expected payments
• Regular payments: same amount, regularly (7, 14 or 30 days)
• Idea: Affect available resources, but independent of past orfuture discretionary spending
13
Estimating Effect of Resources:Simulated Balances
Endogeneity of resource level and spending
→ Instrument for resources usingHypothetical balances based on regular, expected payments
• Regular payments: same amount, regularly (7, 14 or 30 days)
• Idea: Affect available resources, but independent of past orfuture discretionary spending
13
Estimating Effect of Resources:Simulated Balances
Endogeneity of resource level and spending
→ Instrument for resources usingHypothetical balances based on regular, expected payments
• Regular payments: same amount, regularly (7, 14 or 30 days)
• Idea: Affect available resources, but independent of past orfuture discretionary spending
13
Regular Payments and Simulated Balances
paycheck paycheck paycheck paycheck
14
Regular Payments and Simulated Balances
paycheck paycheck paycheck paycheck
- rent - rent
14
Regular Payments and Simulated Balances
paycheck
Actual Resources
paycheck paycheck paycheck
- rent - rent
14
Regular Payments and Simulated Balances
Simulated balance
paycheck paycheck paycheck paycheck
- rent - rent
14
Regular Payments and Simulated Balances
Simulated balance
paycheck paycheck paycheck paycheck
- rent - rentSlope:
Average daily non-regular
expenditure
over sample period
14
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
15
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Sensitivity to Paycheck
•Low resources
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
Sensitivity to Paycheck
•Low resources
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
16
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Sensitivity to Paycheck
•Low resources
•Higher resources
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
Sensitivity to Paycheck
•Low resources
•Higher resources
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
16
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
17
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Planned Paydown
Debt Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
• Sophisticated :Follow plan to pay downPay down less the more impatient
17
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Planned Paydown
Debt Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
Planned Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
• Naive:
17
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Planned Paydown
Debt Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
Planned Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Debt Paydown
• Naive:Repeatedly plans to pay off next period
17
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Planned Paydown
Debt Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Naive
Planned Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Debt Paydown
17
Effect of Present Bias - Joint Pattern
Sophisticated
Sensitivity to Paycheck
Planned Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Debt Paydown
Naive
Sensitivity to Paycheck
Planned Paydown
No impatience
β→1
High impatience
β low
Debt Paydown
• Sophisticated :Pay down less the more impatient
• Naive:Delays irrespective of plans and impatience level
17
Regression Results - Debt Paydown
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s
+ PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s
+X ′iλ+ νi
18
Methodology: Estimated Regressors
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s
+ PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s
+X ′iλ+ νi
• Usually: regressors are observables
• Sensitivityi, Sophisti are estimated
− Estimated with noise− First stage regression informative of estimation error
→ Need to correct standard errors
→ Bootstrap standard errors
19
Methodology: Estimated Regressors
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s
+ PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s
+X ′iλ+ νi
• Usually: regressors are observables
• Sensitivityi, Sophisti are estimated
− Estimated with noise− First stage regression informative of estimation error
→ Need to correct standard errors
→ Bootstrap standard errors
19
Methodology: Estimated Regressors
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s
+ PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s
+X ′iλ+ νi
• Usually: regressors are observables
• Sensitivityi, Sophisti are estimated
− Estimated with noise− First stage regression informative of estimation error
→ Need to correct standard errors
→ Bootstrap standard errors
19
Methodology: Bootstrap StandardErrors
• Idea
− Draw sample from data with replacement
− Estimate regression specification for each sample draw
− Compute standard errors based on sample draws
• Good news: Bootstrap Package in Stata
• Bad news: Exact specification depends on specifics of estimationat hand
20
Methodology: Bootstrap StandardErrors
• Idea
− Draw sample from data with replacement
− Estimate regression specification for each sample draw
− Compute standard errors based on sample draws
• Good news: Bootstrap Package in Stata
• Bad news: Exact specification depends on specifics of estimationat hand
20
Regression Results - Debt Paydown
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s
+ PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s
+X ′iλ+ νi
21
Regression Results - Debt Paydown
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s + PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s +X′iλ + νi
Short-run
Consumables
Restaurant&
Entertainment
Short-run
Consumables
Restaurant&
Entertainment
Sensitivity 8.511 -3.293 6.461* 7.547*
(0.241) (0.613) (0.099) (0.083)
Planned paydown 0.179* 0.280*** 0.129 0.177**
(0.056) (0.002) (0.133) (0.033)
Sensitivity * Sophisticated -33.293*** -13.820 -10.179* -17.774***
(0.004) (0.188) (0.082) (0.006)
Planned paydown * Sophisticated 0.371* 0.086 0.391* 0.295
(0.098) (0.666) (0.065) (0.119)
Sophisticated 4.157 -8.474 -1.099 -7.299
(0.469) (0.127) (0.797) (0.077)
Constant -12.035*** -7.636* -8.585*** -6.217**
(0.000) (0.064) (0.000) (0.010)
Controls Y Y Y Y
Number of individuals 516 516 516 516
Paydown 90 Days Paydown 180 Days
P-values of bootstrapped standard errors in parentheses. Significance: ∗ (p<0.10), ∗∗ (p<0.05), ∗∗∗ (p<0.01).
21
Regression Results - Debt Paydown
Paydowni = µ0 + Sensitivityiµ1n + PlannedPaydowniµ2n
+ Sensitivityi ∗ Sophistiµ1s + PlannedPaydowni ∗ Sophistiµ2s +X′iλ + νi
Short-run
Consumables
Restaurant&
Entertainment
Short-run
Consumables
Restaurant&
Entertainment
Sensitivity 8.511 -3.293 6.461* 7.547*
(0.241) (0.613) (0.099) (0.083)
Planned paydown 0.179* 0.280*** 0.129 0.177**
(0.056) (0.002) (0.133) (0.033)
Sensitivity * Sophisticated -33.293*** -13.820 -10.179* -17.774***
(0.004) (0.188) (0.082) (0.006)
Planned paydown * Sophisticated 0.371* 0.086 0.391* 0.295
(0.098) (0.666) (0.065) (0.119)
Sophisticated 4.157 -8.474 -1.099 -7.299
(0.469) (0.127) (0.797) (0.077)
Constant -12.035*** -7.636* -8.585*** -6.217**
(0.000) (0.064) (0.000) (0.010)
Controls Y Y Y Y
Number of individuals 516 516 516 516
Paydown 90 Days Paydown 180 Days
P-values of bootstrapped standard errors in parentheses. Significance: ∗ (p<0.10), ∗∗ (p<0.05), ∗∗∗ (p<0.01).
21
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:
− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
Debt Paydown and Present Bias
Patterns of debt paydown are
• Consistent with present bias/hyperbolic discounting
• Inconsistent with alternative explanations:− Direct relation between reduction in sensitivity and paydown
− Impatient users drive difference btw sophisticated and naive
− Credit constraints: exclude when likely to be constrained
− Habits, non-separabilities
− Unrealistic expectations, overoptimism
22
“Debt and the Consumption Response to Household Income Shocks”
Scott Baker, 2014
23
Overview of Paper
• Present new data set and validate data coverage
• Estimate how sensitivity of consumption to income depends onhousehold debt
24
Data
• Online personal finance website (Mint.com)
• Data updated automatically via financial institution
→ Highly reliable and complete
• Complete balance sheet and spending for many users
• Long daily panel
• Transaction level data
→ Unparalleled in traditional data sources
• One of several papers using online sources→ Uniquely suited to analyzing households during GreatRecession
25
Data
• Online personal finance website (Mint.com)
• Data updated automatically via financial institution
→ Highly reliable and complete
• Complete balance sheet and spending for many users
• Long daily panel
• Transaction level data
→ Unparalleled in traditional data sources
• One of several papers using online sources→ Uniquely suited to analyzing households during GreatRecession
25
Data Validation
• User survey
− Confirms individual level coverage
• Benchmark to aggregate
− Census Retail Sales
− Consumer Expenditure Survey
− Housing wealth (Zillow.com)
− 2010 Survey of Consumer Finance
26
Data Validation
• User survey
− Confirms individual level coverage
• Benchmark to aggregate
− Census Retail Sales
− Consumer Expenditure Survey
− Housing wealth (Zillow.com)
− 2010 Survey of Consumer Finance
26
Sensitivity to Income and Debt
• Previous literature:
− Consumption responds to income shocks
• This paper:
− Micro-level
F Estimate effect of debt on consumption response to income
F Disentangle possible channels (credit constraints)
− Macro-level
F Quantify effect of debt levels during Great Recession
27
Sensitivity to Income and Debt
• Previous literature:
− Consumption responds to income shocks
• This paper:
− Micro-level
F Estimate effect of debt on consumption response to income
F Disentangle possible channels (credit constraints)
− Macro-level
F Quantify effect of debt levels during Great Recession
27
Sensitivity to Income and Debt
• Previous literature:
− Consumption responds to income shocks
• This paper:
− Micro-level
F Estimate effect of debt on consumption response to income
F Disentangle possible channels (credit constraints)
− Macro-level
F Quantify effect of debt levels during Great Recession
27
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Reverse causality: debt levels can affect incomee.g., credit check required for some jobs
• Other shock affecting income and debt simultaneouslye.g., health shock, divorce
→ Need exogenous change in income
28
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Reverse causality: debt levels can affect incomee.g., credit check required for some jobs
• Other shock affecting income and debt simultaneouslye.g., health shock, divorce
→ Need exogenous change in income
28
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Reverse causality: debt levels can affect incomee.g., credit check required for some jobs
• Other shock affecting income and debt simultaneouslye.g., health shock, divorce
→ Need exogenous change in income
28
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Link users to employers based on paycheck deposit
• Identify shocks to employers
− Firm layoffs, acquisitions, large write-offs, earnings surprises
− SEC filings, news reports
• Establish validity of income shocks
− Firm shocks un-anticipated by consumers and investors (Table 2)
− Shocks affect subsequent firm returns
− Firm shocks affect employee income (Table 3)
29
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Link users to employers based on paycheck deposit
• Identify shocks to employers
− Firm layoffs, acquisitions, large write-offs, earnings surprises
− SEC filings, news reports
• Establish validity of income shocks
− Firm shocks un-anticipated by consumers and investors (Table 2)
− Shocks affect subsequent firm returns
− Firm shocks affect employee income (Table 3)
29
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Link users to employers based on paycheck deposit
• Identify shocks to employers
− Firm layoffs, acquisitions, large write-offs, earnings surprises
− SEC filings, news reports
• Establish validity of income shocks
− Firm shocks un-anticipated by consumers and investors (Table 2)
− Shocks affect subsequent firm returns
− Firm shocks affect employee income (Table 3)
29
Identifying Effect of Debt Levels onResponse to Income Shocks
Empirical Challenge: Identifying Income Shocks
• Link users to employers based on paycheck deposit
• Identify shocks to employers
− Firm layoffs, acquisitions, large write-offs, earnings surprises
− SEC filings, news reports
• Establish validity of income shocks
− Firm shocks un-anticipated by consumers and investors (Table 2)
− Shocks affect subsequent firm returns
− Firm shocks affect employee income (Table 3)
29
Results
• Income shocks increase consumption spending
• Higher debt associated with higher consumption response toincome shocks
• Effect of debt consistent with credit constraints
− Weaker effect when likely less constrained (high credit score,unused credit, liquid assets)
− Stronger effect when likely constrained (credit limit decline,interest rate)
→ Empirical support for common assumption
30
Results
• Income shocks increase consumption spending
• Higher debt associated with higher consumption response toincome shocks
• Effect of debt consistent with credit constraints
− Weaker effect when likely less constrained (high credit score,unused credit, liquid assets)
− Stronger effect when likely constrained (credit limit decline,interest rate)
→ Empirical support for common assumption
30
Conclusion
• Introduces new dataset
− Careful data validation
• Effect of debt on sensitivity of consumption to income shocks
− Exploits unique data features to identify shocks
− Quantifies effect of debt
− Evidence for credit constraints as driving factor
− Quantifies macro effect during great recession
31
Conclusion
• Introduces new dataset
− Careful data validation
• Effect of debt on sensitivity of consumption to income shocks
− Exploits unique data features to identify shocks
− Quantifies effect of debt
− Evidence for credit constraints as driving factor
− Quantifies macro effect during great recession
31
“Harnessing Naturally Occuring Data to Measure the Response ofSpending to Income”
Michael Gelman, Shachar Kariv, Matthew D. Shapiro, Dan Silvermanand Steven Tadelis
Science, 2014
32
Overview
• Present online data as new tool to measure economic activity
• Use data to test spending response to anticipated income receipt
33
Measuring Economic Activity - Data
Literature so far: Surveys
• e.g. Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
• Expensive, infrequently fielded
• Administrative records
• No info on income and spending simultaneously
Data in this paper: Online transaction level data
• Check− financial aggregation website− 1.5 million active users in 2012
• Comprehensive income and spending
• Sample− 75,000 randomly selected Check users− 300 consecutive days in 2012 and 2013− Overrepresents male and young
34
Measuring Economic Activity - Data
Literature so far: Surveys
• e.g. Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
• Expensive, infrequently fielded
• Administrative records
• No info on income and spending simultaneously
Data in this paper: Online transaction level data
• Check− financial aggregation website− 1.5 million active users in 2012
• Comprehensive income and spending
• Sample− 75,000 randomly selected Check users− 300 consecutive days in 2012 and 2013− Overrepresents male and young
34
Measuring Economic Activity - Data
Literature so far: Surveys
• e.g. Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
• Expensive, infrequently fielded
• Administrative records
• No info on income and spending simultaneously
Data in this paper: Online transaction level data
• Check− financial aggregation website− 1.5 million active users in 2012
• Comprehensive income and spending
• Sample− 75,000 randomly selected Check users− 300 consecutive days in 2012 and 2013− Overrepresents male and young
34
Measuring Economic Activity - Data
Literature so far: Surveys
• e.g. Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
• Expensive, infrequently fielded
• Administrative records
• No info on income and spending simultaneously
Data in this paper: Online transaction level data
• Check− financial aggregation website− 1.5 million active users in 2012
• Comprehensive income and spending
• Sample− 75,000 randomly selected Check users− 300 consecutive days in 2012 and 2013− Overrepresents male and young
34
Research Question
• Theory:
Consumers should smooth consumption
→ Timing of (anticipated) income irrelevant for spending
• But:
Previous findings indicate increased spending after receipt ofanticipated income
• This paper:
Estimate response of spending to income
35
Research Question
• Theory:
Consumers should smooth consumption
→ Timing of (anticipated) income irrelevant for spending
• But:
Previous findings indicate increased spending after receipt ofanticipated income
• This paper:
Estimate response of spending to income
35
Research Question
• Theory:
Consumers should smooth consumption
→ Timing of (anticipated) income irrelevant for spending
• But:
Previous findings indicate increased spending after receipt ofanticipated income
• This paper:
Estimate response of spending to income
35
Estimation
xict =
Sun∑j=Mon
δjc +
6∑k=−7
βkcIi(Paidt−k) + εict
where
• xict ratio of individual i’s spending in category c at date t
• δjc day-of-week fixed effect
• Ii(Paidt−k) indicator for income receipt at time t− k
→ βkc captures increase in spending relative to average daily spending
36
Estimation
xict =
Sun∑j=Mon
δjc +
6∑k=−7
βkcIi(Paidt−k) + εict
where
• xict ratio of individual i’s spending in category c at date t
• δjc day-of-week fixed effect
• Ii(Paidt−k) indicator for income receipt at time t− k
→ βkc captures increase in spending relative to average daily spending
36
Estimation
xict =
Sun∑j=Mon
δjc +
6∑k=−7
βkcIi(Paidt−k) + εict
where
• xict ratio of individual i’s spending in category c at date t
• δjc day-of-week fixed effect
• Ii(Paidt−k) indicator for income receipt at time t− k
→ βkc captures increase in spending relative to average daily spending
36
Results1
.8.6
.4.2
0−.2
Fraction of daily average spending
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Days since check arrival
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 2. Response of spending to income: Alternative components of spending. (A) Total spending. (B) Nonrecurring spending. (C) Fast food and
coffee shop spending. The solid line represents regression coefficients from Eq. 1. The dashed lines are 95% confidence intervals. Estimates are based on
5,371,244, 5,371,244, and 5,173,594 total observations from 23,985, 23,985, and 23,021 users for panels (A), (B), and (C), respectively.
→ Response of spending to receipt of anticipated income
→ But: Driven by coincident timing of regular income and spending
37
Results1
.8.6
.4.2
0−.2
Fraction of daily average spending
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Days since check arrival
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 2. Response of spending to income: Alternative components of spending. (A) Total spending. (B) Nonrecurring spending. (C) Fast food and
coffee shop spending. The solid line represents regression coefficients from Eq. 1. The dashed lines are 95% confidence intervals. Estimates are based on
5,371,244, 5,371,244, and 5,173,594 total observations from 23,985, 23,985, and 23,021 users for panels (A), (B), and (C), respectively.
→ Response of spending to receipt of anticipated income
→ But: Driven by coincident timing of regular income and spending
37
Results1
.8.6
.4.2
0−.2
Fraction of daily average spending
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Days since check arrival
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 3. Response of nonrecurring spending to income: Liquidity ratio. (A) Low liquidity. (B) Medium liquidity. (C) High liquidity. The solid line
represents regression coefficients from Eq. 1. The dashed lines are 95% confidence intervals. Estimates are based on 1,784,460, 1,809,839, and 1,769,968
total observations from 7956, 7956, and 7955 users for panels (A), (B), and (C), respectively. The liquidity ratio is defined as the average daily balance of
checking and savings accounts normalized by daily average spending.
→ Excess sensitivity concentrated among liquidity constrainedindividuals
38
Results1
.8.6
.4.2
0−.2
Fraction of daily average spending
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Days since check arrival
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig. 3. Response of nonrecurring spending to income: Liquidity ratio. (A) Low liquidity. (B) Medium liquidity. (C) High liquidity. The solid line
represents regression coefficients from Eq. 1. The dashed lines are 95% confidence intervals. Estimates are based on 1,784,460, 1,809,839, and 1,769,968
total observations from 7956, 7956, and 7955 users for panels (A), (B), and (C), respectively. The liquidity ratio is defined as the average daily balance of
checking and savings accounts normalized by daily average spending.
→ Excess sensitivity concentrated among liquidity constrainedindividuals
38
Conclusion
• Present new data to address existing question in Economics→ Good fit for publication in Science
• Confirm previous findings of excess spending in response toanticipated income
• Refine findings− Response largely due to regular spending− Excess spending concentrated in liquidity constraint individuals
• Leverage detail and scope of data
39
Conclusion
• Present new data to address existing question in Economics→ Good fit for publication in Science
• Confirm previous findings of excess spending in response toanticipated income
• Refine findings− Response largely due to regular spending− Excess spending concentrated in liquidity constraint individuals
• Leverage detail and scope of data
39
Conclusion
• Present new data to address existing question in Economics→ Good fit for publication in Science
• Confirm previous findings of excess spending in response toanticipated income
• Refine findings− Response largely due to regular spending− Excess spending concentrated in liquidity constraint individuals
• Leverage detail and scope of data
39
Conclusion
• Present new data to address existing question in Economics→ Good fit for publication in Science
• Confirm previous findings of excess spending in response toanticipated income
• Refine findings− Response largely due to regular spending− Excess spending concentrated in liquidity constraint individuals
• Leverage detail and scope of data
39
40
“Disentangling Financial Constraints, Precautionary Savings, andMyopia: Household Behavior Surrounding Federal Tax Returns”
Baugh, Brian, Itzhak Ben-David, and Hoonsuk Park, 2013
41
Overview
Question: Why do people increase spending following tax refunds?
Goal: Disentangle the role of
• Financial Constraints
• Precautionary Savings
• Myopia
Setting: Filling of tax return versus receipt of refund
• At filling: Learn amount of tax refund
• At receipt: Receive tax refund (deposited into account)
42
Overview
Question: Why do people increase spending following tax refunds?Goal: Disentangle the role of
• Financial Constraints
• Precautionary Savings
• Myopia
Setting: Filling of tax return versus receipt of refund
• At filling: Learn amount of tax refund
• At receipt: Receive tax refund (deposited into account)
42
Overview
Question: Why do people increase spending following tax refunds?Goal: Disentangle the role of
• Financial Constraints
• Precautionary Savings
• Myopia
Setting: Filling of tax return versus receipt of refund
• At filling: Learn amount of tax refund
• At receipt: Receive tax refund (deposited into account)
42
Data
• Transaction-level bank account and credit card data
• Anonymous data provider
• 27,591 (of 500,000) households who
− Use tax filing service− Complete and clean data
43
Hypotheses
• Precautionary savings− Hold buffer stock for uncertain future shocks− Learning about refund = reduction of uncertainty→ Decrease buffer stock /increase spending
• Financial constraints− Smooth consumption but cannot borrow against future income− At payment receipt, increase consumption, but smooth over all
future periods→ Persistent increase in spending following receipt
• Myopia− Consumers are short-sighted, spend what they have− Increase spending following payment receipt, but do not smooth
over future periods→ Short-term increase in spending following receipt
44
Hypotheses
• Precautionary savings− Hold buffer stock for uncertain future shocks− Learning about refund = reduction of uncertainty→ Decrease buffer stock /increase spending
• Financial constraints− Smooth consumption but cannot borrow against future income− At payment receipt, increase consumption, but smooth over all
future periods→ Persistent increase in spending following receipt
• Myopia− Consumers are short-sighted, spend what they have− Increase spending following payment receipt, but do not smooth
over future periods→ Short-term increase in spending following receipt
44
Hypotheses
• Precautionary savings− Hold buffer stock for uncertain future shocks− Learning about refund = reduction of uncertainty→ Decrease buffer stock /increase spending
• Financial constraints− Smooth consumption but cannot borrow against future income− At payment receipt, increase consumption, but smooth over all
future periods→ Persistent increase in spending following receipt
• Myopia− Consumers are short-sighted, spend what they have− Increase spending following payment receipt, but do not smooth
over future periods→ Short-term increase in spending following receipt
44
Estimation
Xht = α+
4∑k=−2
bkI(filingweekk)+
12∑k=−2
ckI(refundweekk)+γt+δh+εht
where
• bk capture increased spending after filing
• ck captuer increased spending after receipt of refund
Identify filing and refund date
• Filing date: date of charge for tax software
• Refund date: date of refund deposited into account
• Identify via text description of transactions
45
Estimation
Xht = α+
4∑k=−2
bkI(filingweekk)+
12∑k=−2
ckI(refundweekk)+γt+δh+εht
where
• bk capture increased spending after filing
• ck captuer increased spending after receipt of refund
Identify filing and refund date
• Filing date: date of charge for tax software
• Refund date: date of refund deposited into account
• Identify via text description of transactions
45
ResultsFigure 6: Time Series of Week Dummy Coefficients Surrounding Filing and Refund
→ No spending increase at filing (but: increased credit card usage
→ Substantial spending increase following refund receipt46
Additional Results
Differences in response by financial constraints?
• Split sample by income− Higher spending only on credit cards following filing for high and
low income households− Higher spending following receipt primarily for low income
households
• Split sample by financial slack− Use interest received and paid as proxy for asset and debt balances− Larger spending response following receipt for low financial slack
households
47
Additional Results
Differences in response by financial constraints?
• Split sample by income− Higher spending only on credit cards following filing for high and
low income households− Higher spending following receipt primarily for low income
households
• Split sample by financial slack− Use interest received and paid as proxy for asset and debt balances− Larger spending response following receipt for low financial slack
households
47
Additional Results
Differences in response by financial constraints?
• Split sample by income− Higher spending only on credit cards following filing for high and
low income households− Higher spending following receipt primarily for low income
households
• Split sample by financial slack− Use interest received and paid as proxy for asset and debt balances− Larger spending response following receipt for low financial slack
households
47
Conclusion
• Innovative way to disentangle information content ofunanticipated income from cash flow
• Findings consistent with previous literature
• Distinguish between alternative theories by exploiting detail indata and corresponding differences in predictions
48
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