Yale finance professor James Choi discusses his research on personal finance books and compares their advice with economic theory, exploring flaws in personal finance orthodoxy. They delve into topics such as the timing of savings, the hedonic treadmill, scolding in personal finance advice, the blind spot of social security income in finance books, and the rationality of saving while in debt.
Having a financial plan, including a spreadsheet outlining savings and investment goals, is vital for effective personal finance management.
Personal finance books offer valuable advice on investing and savings, but there are discrepancies between their recommendations and economic orthodoxy, highlighting the impact of human nature on financial decisions.
Deep dives
The importance of financial planning
One key takeaway from the podcast episode is the importance of creating a financial plan. The guest expert, James Choi, emphasizes that having a plan is crucial for managing personal finances effectively. He suggests creating a simple spreadsheet that outlines savings and investment goals for each year until retirement. By having a plan in place, individuals can determine if they are on track to meet their financial objectives and make necessary adjustments if needed.
Differences between personal finance books and economic orthodoxy
James Choi's research focuses on comparing personal finance books with economic orthodoxy. He finds that while personal finance books offer valuable advice on investing and savings, there are some discrepancies when it comes to specific recommendations. For example, personal finance authors often advocate for consistent savings percentages throughout one's life, while economists prioritize spending a similar level of dollars over time. Additionally, personal finance authors acknowledge the impact of human nature on financial decisions, considering factors like willpower and motivation, whereas economists typically assume individuals will rationalize and follow financial plans without any concessions.
The rationality of stock investments and risk aversion
The podcast discusses the rationality of stock investments and risk aversion. While economists argue that individuals should allocate a significant portion of their portfolio to stocks over their working life, personal finance authors tend to be more risk-averse and recommend more conservative allocations. James Choi explains that the rationality of this decision relates to the presence of human capital, which diminishes as retirement approaches. Since income from work can be considered a relatively safe asset, individuals close to retirement should reduce risk in their financial portfolios to compensate for the reduction in their human capital.
The importance of considering social security benefits
Another important topic covered in the podcast is the importance of considering social security benefits in retirement planning. The guest, James Choi, points out that many personal finance books often overlook or downplay the significance of social security income. He emphasizes that social security benefits are a reliable source of income for retirees and that it is essential to incorporate them into retirement savings strategies. Americans should be aware that social security benefits are not likely to disappear and that planning for retirement should account for these benefits as part of the overall financial picture.
In an off-week bonus episode of Money Talks, Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers chat with Yale finance professor James Choi, who has cross-referenced the advice of more than 50 pop finance books with actual economic theory. How much should you save in your 20s and 30s? Should you put your money in a savings account or the stock market? Is it bad to change your retirement plan? James Choi spills the finance tea!
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Podcast production by Jared Downing and Cheyna Roth.