This paper generates two main contributions. First, it provides a new theory of wealth inequality that merges two empirically relevant forces generating inequality: bequest motives and inheritance of ability across generations; and an earnings process that allows for more earnings risk for the...

The extent to which households can self-insure depends on family structure and wage risk. We calibrate a model of couples and singles’ savings and labor supply under two types of wage processes. The first wage process is the canonical—age independent, linear—one that is typically used to...

The desirability, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of government welfare policies depend crucially on the income risk that households face and the actions that they can take to reduce consumption fluctuations, for instance by adjusting their saving and labor supply. Shocks to labour earnings are...