Laurence Kotlikoff

For more than four decades, Laurence Kotlikoff has challenged many of economics’ most widely accepted assumptions. Whether questioning how governments measure debt, exposing the hidden costs of ageing populations, or helping millions make smarter retirement decisions, he has built a career around asking uncomfortable questions and offering practical answers.

Kotlikoff is the William Fairfield Warren Professor of Economics at Boston University, President of Economic Security Planning, and Director of the Fiscal Analysis Center. Recognised as one of the world’s most influential economists by The Economist, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the Econometric Society, and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Laurence Kotlikoff is perhaps best known for developing the concept of generational accounting. A framework that measures governments’ long-term fiscal obligations beyond conventional debt statistics. His work has influenced debates around public finance in countries facing mounting pension liabilities, demographic change and rising healthcare costs. He has advised governments, central banks and international organisations around the world, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Federal Reserve, OECD, Bank of England, Bank of Japan and numerous finance ministries.

Beyond academia, Kotlikoff has devoted significant attention to making sophisticated economic analysis accessible to individuals. Through Economic Security Planning, he has developed advanced financial planning software designed to help households optimise retirement income, social security claiming strategies, lifetime consumption and major financial decisions. His conviction is simple: the same rigorous economics used to shape national policy should also help families build greater financial security.

A prolific author, Kotlikoff has written or co-authored more than 20 books alongside hundreds of academic papers, opinion pieces and policy articles. His New York Times bestselling Get What’s Yours transformed public understanding of social security, while later books, including Money Magic, explore how economic principles can help individuals make better financial decisions with less risk.