Indulgence, Self-Control, and Annuity Preferences: Annuity Choices by Members of the Slovak-Funded Private Pension Pillar

This paper employs data from an original survey to analyse the annuity preferences of members of the Slovak-funded private pension pillar. The focus is on the impact of socioeconomic variables as well as various behavioural attitudes upon annuitisation decisions. The research first considers some well-known behavioural factors (framing, mental accounting) and then turns to some underresearched traits (indulgence, self-control) and behaviours (compulsive shopping, saving habits) and links them to annuity choices. Moreover, the research studies alternative allocations of a lump sum and relates them to annuitisation decisions. Indulgence emerged as a significant negative predictor of annuitisation. This result likely refers to preferences towards hedonic lifestyles in early retirement. Interestingly, low self-discipline was also significant but positively related to an intention towards annuity purchases. People who are aware of their low financial discipline may introduce internal self-protection mechanisms and resort to tried and tested financial products to avoid anticipated feelings of regret and desperation. Annuitisation, in this case, is a regret avoidance behaviour.