The Psychology of Saving

This innovative book provides an up-to-date assessment of the factors accounting for the differences between people who save and people who do not save money. Humans are forward looking and want to make provisions for future consumption according to saving theories. Some people save and others with similar incomes and wealth do not. Why? Whilst psychology has devoted little attention to the forward looking dimension of human behaviour, it contributes theories and techniques for studying the cognitive, motivational, and social factors that affect saving. The book examines the assumption that man is forward looking and desires to provide for the future. It summarises theories and behavioural research in the area of saving and explores the psychological insights and findings of economists and interprets them in terms of modern psychology. The Psychology of Saving will be welcomed as a major contribution to economic psychology which brings together research and analysis, developing our understanding about rationality, expectations and consumer behaviour.