De ce luăm lucruri de care nu avem nevoie. Economia secretă a minții cumpărătorului român

The article discusses consumer behavior in Romania, focusing on why people buy unnecessary items, particularly during sales. Rodica Ianole-Călin, a behavioral economics professor, explains that consumers often evaluate products relatively rather than absolutely, leading to impulsive purchases. This phenomenon is linked to the concept of 'pain of payment,' where the act of spending triggers a measurable reaction in the brain. The article also explores the disconnect between personal and public spending, highlighting how people are more cautious with their money than with public funds. Additionally, it touches on the relationship between money and happiness, suggesting that income can continue to correlate with happiness beyond certain thresholds. Ianole-Călin advocates for structural changes to improve financial decision-making, such as automating savings and reducing exposure to anxiety-inducing information.