The Psychology of Investing & Retirement: Why Smart Investors Still Fear Spending Money

Why do so many successful investors struggle to actually enjoy the wealth they’ve built? In this Memorial Day weekend episode of Allworth’s Money Matters, Scott and Pat talk with UCLA professor and behavioral expert Hal Hershfield and explore the emotional side of money, retirement, and investing. From fear of running out of money to recency bias and loss aversion, this episode dives deep into the hidden psychological forces that shape financial decisions — even for millionaires. If you’ve ever wondered why investors panic during market drops, hesitate to spend in retirement, or obsess over past financial mistakes, this conversation about investing will completely change how you think about money. Scott, Pat, and Hal unpack why wealthy retirees often struggle to spend confidently, how emotions influence investing decisions, and why understanding investor psychology may be just as important as understanding the stock market itself. They also discuss longevity insurance, risk tolerance, mental accounting, and how advisors can help clients align money with purpose and happiness. Whether you're approaching retirement or simply want to become a smarter long-term investor, this episode offers powerful insights into the psychology behind successful investing and financial decision-making. What You’ll Learn: -Why many wealthy retirees are afraid to spend money -How loss aversion impacts investing decisions -The dangers of recency bias in the stock market -Why financial regrets stick with us longer than successes -How psychology shapes investing behavior -The emotional side of risk tolerance and market volatility -How “mental accounting” affects spending habits -Why longevity insurance hasn’t caught on with investors -How financial advisors help clients align money with life goals Join Money Matters:  Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here.  You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at [email protected]. Download and rate our podcast here.