top of page
Humans v Retirement - Thumbnail (1).png

71

How to Make Better Choices in Retirement with Richard Shotton



Summary


In this episode I get to chat with author and behavioural scientist, Richard Shotton. 


Richard specialises in how humans make choices and has written 2 excellent books on this subject, the choice factory and the illusion of choice. He further specialises on applying findings from psychology and behavioural science to how businesses market their services and why consumers buy stuff.


In this episode, Richard discusses the intersection of behavioural science and marketing, particularly in the context of how people make spending decisions in retirement. He shares insights from his research and experiences, highlighting the importance of fairness, social proof, and the emotional aspects of financial choices.  


Our discussion also emphasises the benefits of spending on experiences and others, as well as the challenges individuals face in transitioning from saving to spending during retirement.  


Richard and I explore the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on behavioural economics and the psychological factors that influence spending habits. We discuss the importance of making financial decisions easier, and the impact of loss aversion on retirees' spending behaviours. We also delve into the paradox of choice and how an abundance of options can lead to decision paralysis.


Key Takeaways


  • Behavioural science can significantly improve marketing effectiveness.

  • Fairness influences decision-making, often leading to suboptimal choices.

  • Social proof plays a crucial role in financial decisions, especially in retirement.

  • People often focus too much on outcomes rather than the decision-making process.

  • Experiential spending tends to yield greater happiness than material purchases.

  • Generosity in spending can enhance personal happiness.

  • Expectations can heavily influence our experiences and satisfaction with purchases.

  • Consistency bias can hinder the transition from saving to spending in retirement.

  • Nudges can effectively guide individuals towards better financial choices.

  • Understanding behavioural biases is key to making informed decisions.  The shift in saving defaults has significantly influenced saving habits.

  • Making financial decisions easier can lead to better outcomes.

  • Loss aversion plays a crucial role in how people spend their money.

  • People are more likely to spend from guaranteed income than from capital.

  • The paradox of choice can hinder decision-making in retirement planning.

  • Financial advisors should use simple language to communicate effectively.

  • Concrete stories are more memorable than abstract concepts in financial advice.

  • Visualising retirement can help individuals make better financial decisions.

  • Defaults in financial products can greatly impact consumer behavior.

  • Understanding and leveraging biases can improve financial planning outcomes.


Chapters


00:00 - Introduction to Behavioural Science in Marketing

06:01 - Social Proof and Herd Mentality in Retirement

12:10 - Spending Money Wisely: Experiences vs. Material Goods

17:53 - The Importance of Generosity in Spending

28:10 - Consistency Bias in Retirement Spending

36:02 - Behavioural Insights on Spending and Saving

42:10 - Navigating the Paradox of Choice

50:02 - Effective Communication for Financial Advisors


Links


Interested in working together?

Step 1: Click the link below, answer some important questions and schedule your 20 minute initial chat with me

NOTE: It's not uncommon for my calendar below to have limited availability. I intentionally limit the number of calls to ensure we provide a high level of service to current clients. If you don't see anything on My calendar that works for you, please call the office at 01621 851563, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Free resources

Ten Timeless Lessons on Investing in Retirement

I will share with you 10 emails over 10 days that cover my core investment beliefs on how you should view investing your money in retirement

Download a FREE copy of this brilliant book

Enough Book

Copyright Humans vs Retirement 2024

bottom of page