Household Savings Motives

Abstract

This study proposed a hierarchy of savings motives and identified factors that influence the movement to higher levels of the hierarchy. Continuation ratio analysis utilizing data from the 2001 Survey of Consumer Finances shows the likelihood of advancing to higher levels of savings motives from the current level. Age, family size, and length of the planning horizon are important predictors for advancing from lower levels to higher levels in the proposed hierarchy. Implications are offered for public policy regarding education and programs.