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.


Financially Independent, Retiring Early?
I have come across a FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) article and it got me intrigued. In this article a couple had managed to...

Merle van den Akker
Sep 4, 20196 min read


Second Year PhD Review
One of my most popular articles on here is my review of my first year as a PhD student. As soon as I had written this article, I knew I...

Merle van den Akker
Sep 2, 20197 min read


Work Deeper, not Harder
Best-selling author Cal Newport has written another book: Deep Work. Hardly surprising that he has written yet another, if you know what...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 29, 20195 min read


Why you Shouldn't do a PhD
I have written thirteen articles about my experiences as a PhD student. I have even written one specifically asking myself and my reader:...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 26, 20197 min read


Can we make Liars more Honest?
In this post, Alanda Kariza, a fellow Warwick MSc Behavioural and Economic Science graduate, will write about honesty vs. corruption....

Merle van den Akker
Aug 22, 20194 min read


How to get into Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economics has obtained a respected reputation. The 2017 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Richard Thaler, a...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 19, 20195 min read


Interview with Gordon D.A. Brown
Behavioural Economics is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 15, 20193 min read


Interview with Graham Loomes
Behavioural Economics is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 12, 20194 min read


Interview with Bob Sugden
Behavioural Economics is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 8, 20193 min read
bottom of page