This dissertation presents four independent papers that advance experimental methods and test theories on saving using experimentally elicited characteristics. The first two papers test two behavioral theories on precautionary saving based on the characteristics loss aversion and prudence by...

This paper analyses the conduct of monetary policy in an environment in which cyclical swings in risk appetite affect households' propensity to save. It uses a New Keynesian model featuring external habit formation to show that taking note of precautionary saving motives justifies an...