Money, Meaning, and Five TED Talks Worth Your Time

Since 1984, TED has been a place for ideas that travel fast and stay with you. The non-profit started with the simple goal of sharing short talks where technology, design, and human experience meet.¹ Here are five talks about money and mindset that are worth a few minutes of your time.

Talk #1: “Saving For Tomorrow, Tomorrow” with Shlomo Benartzi

Most of us would rather enjoy today than save for tomorrow. Behavioral economist Shlomo Benartzi looks at why that instinct runs deep and what we can do about it. In “Saving For Tomorrow, Tomorrow,” he shows how reframing decisions can make saving feel natural instead of forced.

Talk #2: “Why the Secret to Success Is Setting the Right Goals” with John Doerr

John Doerr built his career investing in people with a clear sense of purpose. In “Why the Secret to Success Is Setting the Right Goals,” he shares a goal-setting method that’s simple and measurable. The lesson applies as much to your finances as to your work: know what matters and track your progress toward it.

Talk #3: “The Future of Money” with Neha Narula

Money is changing shape. Neha Narula, Director of the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT, explains how digital currencies and new payment systems are rewriting the rules of value. In “The Future of Money,” she invites listeners to imagine a world where financial systems are faster, fairer, and more transparent.

Talk #4: “How to Buy Happiness” with Michael Norton

“Money can’t buy happiness” isn’t the whole story. Harvard researcher Michael Norton offers a better version. In “How to Buy Happiness,” he shows that spending on others and shared experiences often brings more joy than buying things for ourselves.

Talk #5: “Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals” with Tim Ferriss

Fear often keeps us from the changes we need most. In “Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals,” Tim Ferriss walks through an exercise he calls “fear-setting.” It’s a way to get clear on what could go wrong, what’s in your control, and why the risk might be worth taking anyway.

TED Talks are short by design, but they tend to leave a lasting impression. Each of these five touches on the intersection of money and meaning, a space where small insights can change the way we think and act. If you’re looking for a thoughtful reset, start here.

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