Below is a list of projects I have either authored or co-authored that are working papers, currently under review for publication, accepted for publication, or published.
Please contact me if you have similar research interests and would like to collarborate: ericludwig “at” ksu “dot” edu
Research Interest #1
How can we increase financial capability?
Whereas financial literacy focuses on acquiring the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions, financial capability additionally seeks to improve the confidence to act. I’m interested in designing interventions to improve financial capabilities.
Research Interest #2
What predicts, and improves, investor behavior?
lifestyle. “Risk-tolerance” questionnaires do a dismal job of predicting investor behavior. I research how personality characteristics, socialization, and a host of other variables predict investor behavior. More importantly, I’m interested in designing “just in time” messages and on-going education to improve financial outcomes.
Research Interest #3
How can we improve retirement preparedness, and financial satisfaction?
Defined benefit plans (pensions) are going be the wayside; questions loom about the future of Social Security benefits; individuals are responsible for their own retirements and only get one shot to prepare. I research how to improve financial outcomes, and for those that have prepared well, to make sure they enjoy their money.
Working Papers
Ludwig, E., Bennetts, C., Van Orman, T., Kothakota, M., Lurtz, M., “The association of risk perception and financial risk-taking behavior during the Great Recession and COVID-19.”
Ludwig, E., Heckman, S., McCoy, M., “The effects of risk, financial literacy, and suspicion on financial help-seeking behavior.”
Ludwig, E, Bennetts, C., Kothakota, M., “How personality characteristics, self-control, and financial self-efficacy impact portfolio changes in response to market volatility.”
Presentations and Invited Lectures
Poster Presentation (upcoming), “Investor behavior in a non-financial crisis.” 2021 AFCPE Virtual Symposium (remote), November 2021.
Poster Presentation (upcoming), “How investors behaved during COVID-19.” 2021 AFCPE Virtual Symposium (remote), November 2021.
Paper Presentation (Invited), “A comparison of risk perception versus behavior on risky share during the Great Recession and COVID-19.” Kansas State University Personal Financial Planning Speaking Series (remote), October 2021.