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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 Never Ending Issue With Lifestyle Inflation
Lifestyle Inflation. You’re supposed to aspire to always become a better, happier, healthier, wealthier version of yourself. But when...
Merle van den Akker
Mar 17, 20225 min read
Does the Payment Cycle Matter?
For those who keep somewhat up to date with me as a person rather than as a writer, you may have noticed I’ve moved to Australia. I also...
Merle van den Akker
Mar 10, 20226 min read
Pre-registration vs. Doing Actual Science
You’ve read the title. You know what this article is going to be about. To kick off, let me start by saying I am a proponent of both open...
Merle van den Akker
Mar 3, 20225 min read
Does the 'Why' Matter?
A lot of behavioural science focuses on the “why”. Why do we do the things we do? What is our motivation? Or, potentially, what is our...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 24, 20227 min read
Best Resources to get into Behavioural Science (Online Media Edition)
In my post last week I outlined some great books and papers to get you into behavioural science. I am a massive bookworm, so that’s where...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 10, 20226 min read
Best Resources to get into Behavioural Science (Books & Papers Edition)
I previously wrote a post about all the things I would have done differently going into behavioural science. Now I’m a practical type of...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 3, 20226 min read
Things I Would Have Done Differently Going into Behavioural Science
With the new year coming up, is there really a better time for some self-reflection? Of course not! Leading question aside, I thought I’d...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 30, 20216 min read
Issues with Self-Reported Data
How do you test if people are adhering to their medication? What their beliefs are about certain political issues. How often they...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 16, 20215 min read
Pain or Pleasure? The Pain of Paying Might Not Exist
The pain of paying is one of the oldest and most prominent theories explaining why using credit cards as compared to cash (and back in...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 9, 20218 min read
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