This study considers an under-explored channel through which credit-constrained house- holds may smooth consumption – buying ahead. We employ a differences-in-differences-in- differences strategy and exploit variation from state tax laws introduced in different states in different years. Using...

Retirement-account balances are lower among women than men. This study assesses the role of financial knowledge and empowerment in contributing to the gender gap in savings. We evaluate the effects of financial education delivered to women in the workplace, using administrative data on 31,000...

Income tax refunds are often significant lump-sum payments for households in the US. These payments allow households to increase their expenditures, including purchasing larger quantities of goods and stockpiling them for future consumption. Buying larger quantities allows households to reduce...