Frank M. Fossen, Davud Rostam-Afschar
Various studies have interpreted a positive correlation between income risk and wealth as evidence for large precautionary savings. However, the high estimates emerged from pooling non-entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs without controlling for heterogeneity. This paper provides evidence for Germany based on representative panel data including private wealth balance sheets. Entrepreneurs, who face high income risk, hold more wealth than employees, but it is shown that this is not due to precautionary motives. They may rather save for old age, as they are usually not covered by statutory pension insurance. The analysis accounts for endogeneity of entrepreneurial choice and heterogeneous risk attitudes.
JEL-Classification: D91;D12;E21
Keywords: precautionary saving, precautionary wealth, entrepreneurship, risk aversion
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