What Gets in the Way of Long-Term Financial Success

Explore six common behavioral biases that can pull investors off track.

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May 10, 2026 6:54am EDT

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Featured Course: Six Common Barriers to Investment Success

Why Smart People Still Make Bad Investment Decisions

Most of us like to believe we make financial decisions logically.

In theory, “buy low, sell high” sounds simple. In practice, emotions, instinct, and short-term thinking often take over — especially when markets feel uncertain.

That’s because financial decision-making is influenced not just by reason, but by behavioral bias. This course explores six common barriers that can quietly shape how we invest and how we react under pressure.

A Few Biases That Can Get in the Way

Availability bias: Recent or emotionally charged events can distort how we see risk and opportunity.

Herding: Following the crowd can feel safer — even when it leads to buying high and selling low.

Loss aversion: The pain of losing often feels stronger than the satisfaction of gaining, which can lead to overly cautious decisions.

Present bias: Immediate wants can take priority over long-term goals like retirement and wealth building.

Anchoring and home country bias: We can become too attached to a number, assumption, or familiar investment story.

One of the most interesting takeaways from this topic is that people can be fully committed to long-term financial goals and still make short-term decisions that work against them.

Understanding these patterns doesn’t just make for an interesting discussion — it can lead to better conversations, better planning, and better long-term outcomes.

Six Common Barriers to Investment Success (CBIS)

Field of Study: Economics
2 CPE Credits
Next Live Webinar: May 15, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET
Also available as an on-demand webcast

This course explores how common behavioral biases affect financial decisions and what professionals can do to recognize and overcome them in pursuit of long-term goals.

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Surgent delivers practical learning that helps professionals understand not just the rules and numbers — but the human behavior behind financial decision-making.

Do you have questions?

We're here to help. Email [email protected] or call 1-800-778-7436.

What Gets in the Way of Long-Term Financial Success

Explore six common behavioral biases that can pull investors off track.

Why Smart People Still Make Bad Investment Decisions

Six Common Barriers to Investment Success (CBIS)

Do you have questions?

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