This paper re-examines the Rouwenhorst method of approximating first-order autoregressive processes. This method is appealing because it can match the conditional and unconditional mean, the conditional and unconditional variance and the first-order autocorrelation of any AR(1) process. This...

We consider a life-cycle model with idiosyncratic risk in labor earnings, out-of-pocket medical and nursing home expenses, and survival. Partial insurance is available through welfare, Medicaid, and social security. Calibrating the model to the U.S., we find that nursing home expenses play an...

This paper re-examines the Rouwenhorst method of approximating first-order autoregressive processes. This method is appealing because it can match the conditional and unconditional mean, the conditional and unconditional variance and the first-order autocorrelation of any AR(1) process. This...

Suburbanization in the U.S. between 1910 and 1970 was concurrent with the rapid diffusion of the automobile. A circular city model is developed in order to access quantitatively the contribution of automobiles and rising incomes to suburbanization. The model incorporates a number of driving...