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Behavioural Insights
Thoughtful analysis of how psychology shapes financial behaviour, spending habits, and long term decision making, translating academic research into practical insights that help individuals make smarter, more intentional financial choices.
The Pretend Student
The name of this phenomenon invokes several images: a student who pretends to actually be studying, but rather is focused on their social...
Merle van den Akker
Sep 2, 20205 min read
Do You Know Your ABC?
Do you know your ABC’s? I’m sure you can recite the alphabet (I always do so in song-form), but do you know what they mean for...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 26, 20203 min read
How to NOT Use a Credit Card
My topic of expertise is the many (unwarranted) consequences paying with different payment methods can have. Lucky for us, there is a...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 19, 20206 min read
Our Obessions with Productivity: The MVP Working Day
Within meme culture (I'm old, okay?) "You da true MVP" became legendary several years ago. MVP in this case stood for "Most Valuable...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 14, 20204 min read
Hacking Your Memories
Everyone has a memory to a stupid thing they did when they were a lot younger. And thinking back to that makes you cringe. It’s awful....
Merle van den Akker
Aug 7, 20204 min read
Interview with Samuel Salzer
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 3, 202010 min read
How Do Experts Apply Behavioural Science To Themselves?
Last week I celebrated having uploaded 50 interviews with prominent people in behavioural science. Talk about a milestone! Obviously, I...
Merle van den Akker
Jul 31, 202019 min read
Inside Cancel Culture
Cancel culture. It's a movement coming from social media, predominantly YouTube, but has made it's way into more mainstream media as...
Merle van den Akker
Jul 29, 20207 min read
Interview with Ali Fenwick
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by...
Merle van den Akker
Jul 27, 20207 min read
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