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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Dollars and Sense summary
Dan Ariely
Jeff Kreisler
How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter
15 mins
Brief summary
Dollars and Sense by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler illuminates the irrational and emotional behaviors that shape our financial lives. It suggests ways to get better in making financial decisions by understanding the motivations behind our choices.
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Dollars and Sense
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Key idea 1 of 5
Irrational spending stems from not considering the alternatives and an overreliance on external signs of value.
Money is an abstract concept. What a piece of paper with some writing on it can buy you today could very well change tomorrow. Even though its value may fluctuate, there’s no doubt that you need money for just about everything it takes to get by in day-to-day life.
While everyone knows money is important, that doesn’t stop us from routinely making bad spending decisions. So what gives?
One reason is that when we get an urge to buy something, we rarely stop to think about what else we could be spending that money on. In economics, all the other things we could buy are known as opportunity costs, and our failure to consider these alternatives is one of the biggest financial mistakes we make.
A few years ago, Ariely, one of the authors, talked to customers at a Toyota dealership and asked them what purchases they were giving up to buy a new car. What he mostly got back in return were confused looks.
After explaining his question further, a lot of people said they were giving up the chance to buy a different car. Only a few made the connection that they were sacrificing opportunities such as taking vacations or treating themselves to meals in expensive restaurants. Ariely realized that for most people, considering alternatives just didn’t come naturally.
Another reason behind irrational spending is an overreliance on value cues. These are external hints and signs suggesting an item’s real value.
If we behaved in a perfectly rational manner, we’d determine an item’s value through opportunity costs by weighing up one purchase against another. Instead, we go the less rational route, relying on value cues and paying attention to signs that say something is “a bargain” or “a limited-time offer.”
At car dealerships, the language of the salespeople is filled with these sorts of value cues, designed to get customers to buy now or miss out on a “spectacular opportunity.”
While there are helpful value cues that can give you a better sense of what something’s worth, they’re often misleading, as companies routinely use deceptive practices to skew your sense of value and take your money.
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What is Dollars and Sense about?
We use money every day to take care of bills and purchase the things we need to get by in life, yet rarely seem to think rationally about spending it. Dollars and Sense (2017) explores the irrational human nature that leads to bad spending habits, why we’re so bad at saving money and how to resolve this all too human shortcoming.
Dollars and Sense Review
Dollars and Sense (2017) is a thought-provoking exploration of the often irrational ways we handle money and make financial decisions. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Full of eye-opening studies and experiments, it sheds light on our unconscious biases and behaviors, helping us make better financial choices.
- By combining insights from psychology and economics, the book provides a well-rounded understanding of the hidden forces that drive our financial actions.
- Its accessible tone and relatable examples make complex concepts easy to grasp, ensuring that readers stay engaged throughout.
Who should read Dollars and Sense?
- People who struggle to manage their money
- Bargain hunters
- Young people thinking about saving
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Dollars and Sense FAQs
What is the main message of Dollars and Sense?
The main message of Dollars and Sense is to understand and improve our relationship with money.
How long does it take to read Dollars and Sense?
The reading time for Dollars and Sense varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Dollars and Sense a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dollars and Sense is worth reading as it provides insights into our financial behaviors and offers practical advice on how to make better decisions.
Who is the author of Dollars and Sense?
The authors of Dollars and Sense are Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler.
What to read after Dollars and Sense?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dollars and Sense, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Mind Over Money by Claudia Hammond
- The Upside of Irrationality by Dan Ariely
- Money by Laura Whateley
- Mindwise by Nicholas Epley
- From Here to Financial Happiness by Jonathan Clements
- The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Job Therapy by Tessa West
- Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel