What your brain does
Feels losses roughly twice as painfully as gains, so you dodge short‑term pain even when it hurts long‑term results.
Money example
Refusing to sell a losing stock or fund because “I’ll only lose if I sell,” even when it no longer fits your plan.
If I didn’t already own this, would I buy it today at this price?
What your brain does
Overestimates your skill and knowledge, so you believe you can outsmart markets or time everything perfectly.
Money example
Putting most of your money into a few “winner” stocks because your last picks did well.
What if I’m wrong — how much of my net worth is really at risk here?
What your brain does
Hunts for information that agrees with you and quietly ignores red flags and opposing views.
Money example
Watching only bullish videos and reading only optimistic threads about a stock you already own.
Have I deliberately looked for three good reasons NOT to do this?
What your brain does
Copies what the crowd is doing because it feels safer than standing out, even when the crowd is guessing.
Money example
Buying a hot stock or crypto only because it’s trending and friends are making money.
Would I still do this if nobody could see or talk about it?
What your brain does
Gets stuck on the first number you see (price, salary, past high) and treats it as the “real” value.
Money example
Refusing to sell a stock that fell from 1,000 to 600 because you’re anchored to 1,000.
If I saw this for the first time today with no past price, what would I think it’s worth?
What your brain does
Overweights the latest news or returns and forgets the longer‑term history.
Money example
Assuming stocks will always crash because you just lived through a crash, or always go up after a long bull run.
Am I reacting to the last 3–6 months, or to 10+ years of data?
What your brain does
Treats the same rupee/dollar differently depending on which mental “bucket” it’s in.
Money example
Blowing a tax refund on extras while saying you’re too broke to pay off high‑interest debt.
If this were just one big account, what would the smartest use of this money be?
What your brain does
Sticks with the current setup because change feels risky or tiring, even when it’s clearly bad.
Money example
Staying with a high‑fee fund or terrible bank for years because switching feels like a hassle.
If I had to re‑choose all my accounts today from scratch, would I pick these?
What your brain does
Overvalues immediate pleasure and undervalues future benefits, leading to overspending and under‑saving.
Money example
Swiping the card for daily treats while saying “I’ll start saving next month” for years.
What would Future Me, five years from now, thank me for doing with this money?
What your brain does
Falls in love with a compelling story and overlooks the actual numbers and risk.
Money example
Investing in a flashy startup because the founder’s story is inspiring, despite weak financials.
If I hide the story and only look at the numbers, does this still make sense?