Are Latin Americans less prone to save? When compared to regions with similar levels of economic development, why does Latin America fare poorly in terms of saving rates? Though several factors shape saving rates, a few are particularly important in generating these gaps at the household level. In particular, past experiences, psychological traits, and even genes or language … [Read more...] about Five Reasons Why Latin Americans Save Less
#BehavioralEconomics
Turning a Piggy Bank into a Savings Account in Peru
A piggy bank is a classic childhood favorite, one that has endured for generations. In the last 20 years, many children were encouraged to put away their pennies after getting to know the piggy bank Hamm, a character in the Toy Story franchise. But what may feel like a game to kids is in fact teaching them a very important habit that can set a country on a path to development: … [Read more...] about Turning a Piggy Bank into a Savings Account in Peru
Raising Tax Revenues on a Tight Budget: A Field Experiment in the Pampas
Policymakers may have big plans like extending a highway or starting a new social assistance program. Then again, they may have more modest plans such as meeting payrolls or maintaining existing infrastructure and levels of service. Realizing any of those plans requires a dependable stream of revenue, usually including taxes on individuals’ income and property. In an ideal … [Read more...] about Raising Tax Revenues on a Tight Budget: A Field Experiment in the Pampas
Did You Get Your Shots? In Rural Communities in Guatemala a Simple Reminder Improved Health
By: Matias Busso and Julian Cristia Take a moment to recall the last time you forgot someone's birthday. When was the last time you were at the grocery store and forgot that one crucial ingredient for dinner? How many times have you been locked out in the past year? A good memory is undoubtedly important for anyone. The memory of faces, names, facts and many other things … [Read more...] about Did You Get Your Shots? In Rural Communities in Guatemala a Simple Reminder Improved Health
Faced with a Water Shortage, a Flood of Ideas.
The US state of California is passing through a very serious drought, which has resulted in serious problems of water availability. Experts have not been able to agree on the reasons for the extreme situation and why preventive measures were not taken, nor have they been able to agree on the best possible solutions. Nevertheless, it seems that the measures they have taken up … [Read more...] about Faced with a Water Shortage, a Flood of Ideas.