Hal Hershfield, Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision-Making and Psychology

NGPF Podcast

Professor Hal Hershfield from UCLA's Anderson School of Management discusses key concepts from his book, "Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today." First, he recommends a departure from traditional goal-setting and the use of proxies. Instead, his primary focus is on narrowing the gap between our present and future selves, emphasizing health choices, prudent financial decisions for retirement, and commitment to financial and fitness goals. Hershfield addresses the challenge of forming an emotional connection with one's future self, proposing practical exercises like writing letters and using technology to evoke a vivid future self. He also introduces practical tools like commitment devices for better financial decision-making. Overall, Professor Hal Hershfield recommends reframing the way financial education is taught.