Fuzzy-trace theory is just an odd-sounding name for a pretty simple idea. To put it simply, the idea is that people form two different types of memories.
This post originally appeared on The Simple Dollar.
One type, called “verbatim”, is just like it sounds — it’s a very detailed and accurate representation of something experienced or learned in the past. For example, I can still perfectly recall several poems that I memorised decades ago. On the other hand, we also have “gist” memories. These are memories that are heavily based on context. We don’t remember these things verbatim — instead, we tend to build these “memories” out of small pieces of memory and knowledge.
Almost everyone has both of these memory types, but different people tend to be stronger at different types. I know, from my own experiences, that I have a very good “gist” memory, as I can often reassemble past events or ideas pretty accurately even though I might not have a verbatim memory of that event or idea (though, sometimes, I botch this pretty badly). My “verbatim” memory, on the other hand, is usually pretty poor for larger ideas. My mind works best remembering lots of little things and knowing how to reassemble them pretty quickly, in other words, and those reassemblies are usually quite accurate.
Anyway, one fascinating part of this idea is that the more things you’re trying to remember, the more likely you are to rely on “gist” memory. Remember, “gist” memory is less accurate than “verbatim” memory.
So, how is this important? Let’s say you have one credit card in your wallet. It’s likely that you’re able to know the exact balance of that card — or pretty close to it. That one point of data is likely lodged as a “verbatim” memory in your head. On the other hand, let’s say you have 10 cards in your wallet. That means, in order to have a good grasp on the balance of each one, you need to have 10 “verbatim” memories in your head. More likely, you’re going to be relying on “gist” memory — a sense of the spending you’ve put recently on each card rather than an actual balance for each one.
“Gist” memory will get you in trouble. If you don’t happen to recall some spending on some of your cards, you’re going to underestimate balances. This will often give people a sense that they can spend when they shouldn’t, and then when the statement comes in, they’re facing a nasty shock. This isn’t just about credit cards, either. Relying on your memory or “sense” of your buying habits or your other personal finance choices is a sure route to making mistakes.
Thankfully, there are a few steps you can always take to reduce your mistakes.
Minimise Your Active Credit Cards
You shouldn’t carry a balance that varies on more than one card — two at the most. The more cards on which you carry a balance, the harder it will be to remember all the balances and the easier it will be to see your spending slowly snowball out of control.
Rely on Hard Numbers When Making Financial Choices
Don’t just base things on what you think. Base things on the facts. Look up your balances and your account data before making financial choices. Don’t allow yourself to rely on memory at all.
Rely on a “Spending Allowance” to Keep Non-Essential Spending in Check
Again, don’t rely on your memory to tell you whether or not you can actually spend. If you make a lot of little spending choices over the course of a month, you’re likely relying on “gist” memory to get a sense as to whether you can afford to spend more, and that’s unreliable. You’re far better off giving yourself a strict allowance and focusing solely on how much you have left in that allowance.
Don’t let your memory be the basis of your spending decisions. Instead, rely as much on the facts in front of you as you possibly can — and when you can’t, plan ahead to protect yourself against poor decisions.
Fuzzy-Trace Theory and Your Money? [The Simple Dollar]
Trent Hamm is a personal finance writer at TheSimpleDollar.com. After pulling himself out of his own financial crisis, he founded the site in late 2006 to help others through financially difficult situations; today the site has become a finance, insurance and retirement resource. Contact Trent at trent AT the simple dollar DOT com; please send site inquiries to inquiries AT the simple dollar DOT com.
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