Although it is said that money is not happiness, it is essential in our lives and has a big impact on our daily choices, goals and quality of life.
How we manage our money and make financial decisions determines how we live our lives, but it’s not as simple as it might seem. Behind even the seemingly simplest decisions is a complex interplay of psychological factors determining financial success or failure.
Therefore, understanding the psychology behind financial decisions is crucial to making the right ones.
Why is it important to know how to manage money?
Good financial skills are important for everyone, but unfortunately, many people only realize this when they are burnt. But lessons like this could be useful at school.
Effective financial management provides security and helps to secure a peaceful future. By allocating resources wisely, saving for emergencies and planning for retirement, we can protect ourselves and our families from unexpected financial difficulties.
Whether it’s buying a home, setting up a business, traveling the world or educating your children, wise financial management is essential to achieve long-term goals and to avoid falling into a debt dilemma.
Knowing how to manage our finances also gives us more freedom to take advantage of opportunities such as a new job, investment offers, or simply an activity we love. Financial stability allows us to take calculated risks without making ourselves uncomfortable.
Finally, local and global economic crises are inevitable, but financial management skills help to weather downturns.
Emotional well-being and pension
Knowing that our financial situation is secure reduces stress and improves our mental state. After all, when we are not worried about money, we can concentrate on our hobbies, family and friends, which leads to a higher quality of life.
Unfortunately, financial problems are still one of the most common stressors, so developing skills to help you cope with money challenges is essential.
Planning for your retirement can also help reduce stress, as you will sleep more soundly once you have enough money. Effective financial planning will help you save time for a comfortable retirement and enjoy your golden years.
How to manage money?
It’s clear that our financial decisions have a huge impact on almost every aspect of our lives, and good financial management skills are like a compass to navigate through complex waters. But it’s not just about numbers, it’s also about personal goals, values and worldview.
Decision-making
Although most of us think of our decision-making as impartial, our worldview is shaped from an early age and influences our financial decisions without our even realizing it. Our beliefs (e.g., investing is always too risky) lead us to look for information to support them, preventing us from considering alternative financial strategies. Thus, the first step is always to broaden one’s worldview.
Emotions
Emotions play an important role in financial decision-making. Impulsive decisions, such as buying unnecessary items, are usually driven by a desire to feel better. Still, this satisfaction is short-lived and can lead to disappointment in the long run. When we allow ourselves to be driven by our emotions, we develop unhealthy financial habits. What to do? Learn to recognize and analyze our emotions so that we can start looking for healthier ways to manage them.
Financial objectives
People who value long-term benefits are more likely to achieve their financial goals than impulsive people. Changing these habits to prioritize financial security over short-term gratification requires self-discipline, clear financial goals and an understanding of their importance (e.g., investing will ensure a decent retirement or finally paying off a loan).
Lifestyle inflation
Although many people don’t admit it, the desire to live as others do can lead to lifestyle inflation, even if not wise. This means that to emulate the lifestyle of friends, co-workers, or famous people, we increase our spending even if we cannot afford it.
Instead of succumbing to pressure, focus on your financial goals and live within your means.
Building healthy financial habits
Effective money management requires the development of healthy financial habits, just like losing weight or quitting smoking. For example, when losing weight, it is important not to make changes that are so quick and drastic, such as starvation or extremely restrictive diets. You can do it gradually, as in the case of smoking cessation, for example, by first switching to alternatives to cigarettes such as heated tobacco products.
Make a budget that fits your financial situation and goals and monitor your spending regularly. Automate your savings and investments (you can do this with online banking) to avoid temptation and to be consistent with your goals. Also, to ensure you always make the right decisions, keep up your financial self-education.
Professional advice
The psychology of financial decisions can be complex, so everyone can benefit from professional advice. Financial advisors will provide insights tailored to your specific situation, helping you choose strategies for investing, debt management, retirement planning and more.
Awareness and financial well-being
Conscious spending means considering every purchase and avoiding impulse spending. If you find it difficult at first, ask for help from a relative or friend who can remind you of your goals and advise you in difficult moments.
Specific financial targets and motivation
Setting clear and specific financial objectives will help you make the right decisions. Whether saving for a holiday, paying off debts or making ends meet, clearly defined goals set a clear and measurable target. Break down big goals into smaller ones to see progress and stay motivated.
Lifelong learning
No financial decision is locked under five locks. Regularly review and evaluate your financial situation, goals, and strategies. Life is always changing and your financial plan should be flexible. Adjust your budget, investment portfolio and savings strategies as circumstances change (e.g. job changes).
Understanding the psychology of financial decisions is an essential tool for effective money management. Developing healthy financial habits, seeking professional advice, setting specific goals, regularly reviewing your strategies and broadening your worldview will make it much easier to control your financial future.
