Who is your future self to you? Are they a friend – or a total stranger? Chances are, you might not have even thought about them yet. In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom sits down with world‑leading behavioural scientist, Hal Hershfield, to explore why so many of us struggle to plan for the future. They discover how feeling more connected to the person we want to become can transform the choices we make today. Dr Tom also takes the chance to check in with his listeners to hear their hopes and fears for the future, too – with surprising results. Tune in to find out how maximising your future happiness can start by visualising who you want to be.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast.
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Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
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And a huge thank you to our guest, Hal Hershfield
Hal Hershfield is a Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. He is also the best-selling author of ‘Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today’. You can follow him on LinkedIn, or visit his website: halhershfield.com.
Reference:
Life expectancy calculator. Data source: Office for National Statistics, February 2025.
