Question
The question is attached below, thank you for your help! Consider an economy where persons live for two periods only. Their utility function over consumption
The question is attached below, thank you for your help!
Consider an economy where persons live for two periods only. Their utility function over consumption in periods 1 and 2 is given by U = 2 log C1) + 2 log (C2), where C1 and C2 are period 1 and period 2 consumption. They have labor income of $100 in period 1 and labor income of $50 in period 2. They can save as much of their income in period 1 as they like in back accounts, which earn interest of 5 percent per period. They have no bequest motive, so they spend all their income before the end of period 2.
a. What is each individual's lifetime budget constraint? If they choose consumption in each period so as to maximize their lifetime utility subject to their lifetime budget constraint, what is the optimal consumption in each period? How much do the consumers save in the first period?
b. Suppose that the government introduces a social security system that will take $10 from each person in period 1, put it in a bank account, and transfer it back to them withinterest in period 2. What is the new lifetime budget constraint? What is the effect of this social security system on private savings? How does the system affect total savings in this society?
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started