Beyond the Numbers: How Psychology Unlocks Better Financial Decisions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Derek Hagen, author and Director of Education and Communication at Money Quotient, about the connection between life, psychology, and financial planning. Derek breaks down why money alone doesn't create fulfillment—and how aligning your financial strategy with purpose, values, and clear goals creates real impact.Key Takeaways:🔹 Listening goes deeper than just hearing. 🔹 Life planning enhances financial planning. 🔹 Psychology is the key that unlocks the door to the tactics and the strategies. 🔹 Attach every recommendation to a goal or value - to a reason specific to the client. 🔹 A meaningful life starts with understanding what’s meaningful to you. 🔹 Get comfortable taking chances and taking risks - no potential reward without risk.Connect with Derek Hagen:LinkedIn (here)Life Planning Weekly Newsletter (here)Money Quotient website (here)Meaningful Money website (here)Books: Money's Purpose in Your Life: Living Intentionally By Understanding Money's Role In Your Life (Amazon)Your Money, Your Values, and Your Life: Living Your Life According to What’s Important to You (Amazon)Resources mentioned:Financial Planners Must Understand Human Behavior with Matt Goren on The Get Ready Money Podcast (here)Sudden Money: Managing a Financial Windfall by Susan Bradley and Mary Martin (Amazon) Ultimate Listening Workshop with Ted Klontz (here) Bio: Derek Hagen, CFP®, CFA, FBS®, CFT™ is the Director of Education and Communication and Financial Behavior Specialist at Money Quotient. He teaches financial professionals how to bring science to the art of relationships, combining important elements of behavioral sciences, psychology, neurology, sociology, and effective communication. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Kitces Nerds Eye View, Standard Deviations Podcast, and the Human Side of Money Podcast. Derek earned a Graduate Certificate in financial psychology and behavioral finance from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Arts in economics (summa cum laude) from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He holds several professional designations, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Financial Behavior Specialist®, and Certified Financial Therapist™ designations.In his spare time, Derek enjoys playing squash and pickleball, and all things outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and biking. He is based outside of Minneapolis, MN.Support the showThe Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.