There are some justifications for using imaginary symbols for money. In particular, these symbols work as a shortcut, saving time and effort. Yet they also can operate as a trap, leading to counterproductive investment strategies. For example, if you find a twenty dollar note on the sidewalk, would you treat it as a kind of gratuity from the gods? Would you spend it with abandon or on an impulsive purchase? Most people tend to view unexpected cash inflows differently from regular income. Consider the following:
The mind plays another trick via “transactional utility”: the perceived value of getting a good deal. The concept was developed by Professor Richard Thaler, who explored the wider topics in in this1999 book Mental Accounting Matters. Every investor knows the joy of buying a stock more cheaply today than yesterday. Consumers love finding bargains, the difference between the price they expect and the actual price they pay. Similarly, they are willing to pay a premium for snacks at sporting events or at movie theaters because their definition of a reasonable price depends on the situation. Method in the madness There are valid reasons for compartmentalizing expenditures into mental jars. It may help control the temptation to irresponsible spending. It may lead you to minimize your consumer debt. Or, when your funds are limited, it may aid in compromising between competing uses. Yet there are plenty of risks from creating false labels, too. When investors do not view all their assets together, they may be reluctant to move funds between accounts. For example, carrying credit card debt is illogical, but people stubbornly cling to it. They should theoretically be treating their everyday living expenses, their discretionary spending on luxury items, their savings and their investments all the same. Nor do consumers evaluate purchase prices sensibly. If they have already in their minds earmarked funds toward a purchase, they are inclined to disregard changing conditions, and not respond to them thoughtfully. It is well accepted they can easily succumb to skillful marketing tactics. They might spend money on indulgent treats and luxury goods, just to accommodate their fanciest mental jar. They easily forget that all spending should be weighed up against the alternatives. Do you really want to pay for a single-night hotel upgrade, rather than a new winter coat? Resisting the distortions Investors and consumers can follow some basic guidelines to avoid the traps of mental accounting. You can train yourself to think more rationally about your money and spending patterns. Start with a written budget so you know realistically where the funds are going. You might create a special category for windfalls. If you are going to spend it as fun money, do so deliberately and with awareness. Above all, make sure to track your own investments holistically. Your financial advisor can help you organize your accounts in one place, so you can see and approach them more clearly. Comments are closed.
|
Newsletter articles are posted every 2 weeks. If you would like to have our e-newsletter delivered directly to your inbox, please sign up. Your information is confidential; you can unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe. Categories
All
|