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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.
Do you want to play a Game?
If you’ve read the previous article on the functions of dopamine, you should now have a basic understanding of why our brain likes it so...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 4, 20196 min read
Dopamine: the Brain's favourite Drug
When trying to explain neuroeconomics to someone, what you’re really trying to do is explain how the brain works, with regards to some...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 31, 20196 min read
Money on the Brain: Neuroeconomics
I have mentioned Neuroeconomics a couple of times on this blog already. I have reviewed the module in the MSc Behavioural and Economic...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 28, 20196 min read
Education: Netherlands vs. UK
After outlining my own academic journey and having explained my move from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom, I was asked what the...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 25, 20195 min read
Managing Time in a PhD
One thing that is often heralded as the biggest benefits of a PhD is its flexibility. There are no real set working hours. This can be...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 22, 20196 min read
My Academic Journey (so far)
On Thursday the 17th of January, at precisely 15:00 my third graduation ceremony will start. In this case, I will be awarded an MA in...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 15, 20196 min read
Good Financial Behaviour
In the previous article behaviours of “not-so-great” investors are outlined. There is however, hope, as also some advice is given as...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 10, 20194 min read
Bad Investors' Behaviour
In 2017, 54% of American households held stocks (Gallup). Stock trading is a pervasive activity in our society and scholars have devoted...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 7, 20194 min read
Buying for your Ideal Self
As the New Year comes round, and we make ourselves a whole list of resolutions, we tend to also purchase products to fit our new...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 2, 20194 min read
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