top of page
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.
A Cautiously Optimistic Approach to New Year’s Resolutions.
New year, new you. Well, the same old you with some new aspirations. Or the same aspirations from new years’ past. Meaning that something...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 19, 20235 min read
Highlights of 2022 – and what Behavioural Science to take into 2023
It’s common for content creators to track the performance of their content. What did well? And what bombed…? With a focus on the...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 12, 20234 min read
My Behavioural Science Christmas 2022 Reading List!
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but 2022 has not been the greatest year for me in terms of reading. I have started several books,...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 22, 20223 min read
Finding Your Money Personality
Have you ever considered your money personality? Sure, you know your own background; you know whether you were raised poor, rich or...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 15, 20225 min read
How to Avoid the Mental Overload and Burn-out with All the Cost of Living News
You may have noticed, but we are going through a cost of living crisis. And I say you may have noticed, but I’m pretty damn sure you have...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 8, 20224 min read
A Mixed Methods Approach for the Benefit of Behavioural Science
In terms of methodology behavioural science, amongst many other fields of study, has greatly benefited from developments in data science....
Merle van den Akker
Nov 3, 20225 min read
Individual vs. System: Stop Blaming the Consumer!
Recently it seems an article by Chater and Loewenstein has gone viral. It’s their work on individual change perspectives in public policy...
Merle van den Akker
Oct 27, 20224 min read
How Many Goals is Too Many Goals?
I talk to my friends and colleagues about behavioural science, a lot. This is likely hardly surprising to anyone involved, given that I...
Merle van den Akker
Oct 20, 20226 min read
Perceptions of Infinite Money: How Do You Teach People Money Does Have a Limit?
I recently taught another class on the intersections between payment methods, how people handle money and how they perceive money. During...
Merle van den Akker
Oct 13, 20225 min read
bottom of page