Vanguard Group releases research linking customer financial data to credit records
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 9
Vanguard Group releases research linking customer financial data to credit records
4 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 9
The study matched clients’ 401(k) and brokerage accounts with credit-bureau records to examine how they split money between saving and debt repayment.
Vanguard said many people miss mathematically better choices because of limited knowledge, financial constraints or emotional preferences such as prioritising peace of mind over higher long-term returns.
Behavioural economics research head Andy Reed said the findings offer a framework, not a judgment, for personal decisions such as whether to boost retirement savings or pay down credit cards.
Does prioritizing math over emotion in finance lead to a richer life, or just a richer retirement account?
Vanguard's data reveals common money mistakes. Are you losing thousands by paying off the wrong debt too quickly?
A new federal retirement match starts in 2027. Should you still prioritize high-interest debt over this free money?