“What effect do procrastination, self-control behavior, and expectations of payment from social security have on saving for retirement in the United States and Norway?” A Study of Norway and the United States
Abstract
This thesis will identify the similarities and differences between the United States and Norway retirement savings. The thesis also seeks to answer whether self-control, procrastination behavior biases, and expectations of payment from social security affect retirement savings in both countries. Quantitative surveys were used to collect data to analyze specified variables statistically. The surveys were conducted through Nettskjema, and respondents were only qualified to take the survey if they were citizens and currently working in the United States or Norway. Multiple regression analysis was tested, and we found that Norwegian respondents were the only group procrastinating regarding retirement savings. The results show that procrastination in Norway is significant and insignificant in the United States. The self-control variable was tested and was not significant for both countries. For future expectations of payment from social security and the effect of saving, the results were marginally significant for Norwegians. Although expectations in the United States had no effect, the result was insignificant. We conclude that there are differences between the two countries.
Key Words: Retirement Savings, Pension, IRA, 401K, Social Security, Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), Simple IRA, 403B, 457, Keogh Plans, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Folketrygden