Would you pay more for a car with 29,999 miles than one with 30,000? The answer should be no—it's a negligible difference, after all—but research shows that people often do pay more than they should for cars that are just short of certain odometer thresholds.

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we look at why a price or an age or a test score that falls just under a round number has an outsized impact on our decisions.

We hear from Melina Palmer, author of The Truth About Pricing, as she unpacks how the launch of iTunes—and its iconic per-song price—reshaped the music industry. Joshua Freedman, host of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, explains why stones just shy of round carat weights are in high demand. And Bapu Jena, the host of the podcast Freaknomics M.D. and co-author of the book Random Acts of Medicine, reveals how deeply numbers shape medical decisions—and what that means for patients.

Next, Katy speaks with Devin Pope, the Steven G. Rothmeier Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Devin researches a variety of topics at the intersection of economics and psychology. In this episode, he shares his research involving cars–what we'll pay for them, what we pay to ride in them, and why.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, The Truth About Pricing, and Random Acts of Medicine are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

(0525-WRWH)

Streaks have long been logged in the world of sports. And for tracking habits, like daily writing. But now apps encourage us to keep streaks going for just about anything. Messaging friends, learning new languages, meditating, exercising, you name it.

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore the motivational power of streaks. And we look at ways to alleviate the demotivating effects of breaking a streak.

We speak with journalist Chloë Hamilton, who wrote a story for The Guardian about how a daily ritual can enrich your life or become an unhealthy obsession. Chloë heard from a range of people logging streaks—from daily language practice to simply kissing their partner each morning. One of the more extreme examples included runner Tom Vickery, who has run every day since August 2019. And not just in rain or shine, but after 200 mile runs, in sickness and health, even on a vacation, which included laps on a ferry boat.

Next, Katy speaks with Jackie Silverman, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Delaware, where she studies consumer behavior and streaks. Her research shows that people often adopt a "streak-keeping" goal in addition to their original motivation for an activity. Breaking a streak can be demotivating due to the feeling of goal failure and loss aversion. Silverman suggests that apps and individuals should emphasize intact streaks, downplay broken ones, and offer opportunities for "streak repair"—or flexibility to help people recover and stay motivated.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit https://schwab.com/Choiceology.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Automatic investing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Beis not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the book and makes no representations about its content.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

0525-PM4V

First-born children tend to believe that their parents were harder on them than their siblings are willing to grant. Football fans take disproportionate note of the challenging games on their team's schedules. We're wired to interpret our challenges as bigger than our advantages, even if the reality is more balanced.

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we consider our tendency to focus more attention on our negative or challenging experiences than on our positive or easy ones. This asymmetry also appears in how we remember the lives and experiences of other people.

Daniella McCahey is co-author of Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects and an assistant professor in history at Texas Tech University. She shares the harrowing adventures of one of Antarctica's most famous explorers, Richard E. Byrd. Byrd is credited with being the first to fly over the North and South Poles in the 1920s. He led five expeditions to Antarctica, including one where he nearly died. Byrd was truly a remarkable polar explorer and aviation pioneer, but also someone born into many advantages.

Next, Katy speaks with Tom Gilovich, the Irene Blecker Rosenfeld Professor of Psychology at Cornell University. Gilovich identified what is now known as the headwinds/tailwinds asymmetry. He's also the author of the books The Wisest One in the Roomand How We Know What Isn't So.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Alone: The Classic Polar Adventure, The Wisest One in the Room and How We Know What Isn't So are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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