Ilchi Lee

Recent studies in neuroscience labs are showing evidence that our brains are much more aroused by receiving money today rather than waiting until tomorrow to receive even more. The only time a similar arousal in the brain was triggered was when the suggestion of a significant amount of money was offered at some point down the road.

According to one study led by two New York University researchers, the typical person views 20 dollars now as a better option than 23 dollars three weeks from now or 47 dollars six months from now.

“When our emotions are charged, we have a hard time waiting for a reward,” said George Loewenstein of Carnegie Mellon University and author of a different study—college students taking a sip of fruit juice now versus a slurp later. Receiving a slightly bigger reward tomorrow doesn’t have the same stimulating effect on the brain that getting it today has.

These findings suggest that your brain plays a role in your wanting to spend today and not save for tomorrow. The good news is that, when it comes to spending, knowing immediate gratification exists can make you more aware of, and improve, your future financial decisions.

You are in charge of your brain; you are in charge of your life. Be mindful of your choices, break habits and save for your future. You’ll soon find that getting out of the red and getting ahead may not be as difficult as you thought.