Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of self-restraint in financial management, emphasizing the importance of limiting immediate consumption to ensure long-term financial stability and investment opportunities [2][3]. Group 1: Passive Restraint - The pension system serves as a form of passive restraint, where a portion of monthly income is allocated to pensions, ensuring a basic quality of life in retirement despite lower long-term returns compared to other investment options [4][6]. - This system is crucial for societal stability, as it prevents individuals from spending all their income immediately, which could lead to financial difficulties in old age [5][6]. Group 2: Self-Restraint Methods - Dollar-cost averaging (定投) is highlighted as a self-restraint method that helps individuals accumulate assets over time, similar to pensions, despite not being the highest yielding investment strategy [7][9]. - This method encourages patience in investing and acts as a forced savings mechanism, preventing immediate spending of received funds [8][9]. Group 3: Additional Tips - Practical tips for overcoming immediate gratification include weekly allowances for children instead of monthly, being cautious with credit card and loan usage, maintaining a budgeting habit, and setting aside a portion of every expenditure for investment [10][11]. - Recognizing the tendency for immediate gratification is the first step towards implementing these strategies effectively [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "present bias" in behavioral economics, which leads individuals to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term financial planning, resulting in irrational spending habits [2][3]. Group 1: Understanding Present Bias - Present bias significantly impacts household finances, as individuals often spend their income shortly after receiving it, leaving little for savings or investments [5][14]. - A method to assess present bias is to track spending patterns; if most money is spent within the first two weeks of receiving a paycheck, it indicates a strong present bias [7][8]. Group 2: Implications of Present Bias - Surveys show that low-income individuals tend to spend food vouchers quickly rather than spreading the benefits over time, highlighting the tendency to indulge in immediate consumption [10][11]. - Rational financial planning involves balancing income and expenses throughout life stages, ensuring savings and investments are made for future needs [12][13]. Group 3: Strategies to Mitigate Present Bias - Self-imposed restrictions can help manage present bias, with passive restrictions, such as pension contributions, being particularly effective in ensuring long-term financial stability [17][21]. - Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is suggested as a self-restriction method that encourages consistent investment over time, helping to build assets rather than spending immediately [24][28]. Group 4: Additional Tips - Other strategies to combat present bias include weekly allowances for children, cautious use of credit cards, maintaining a budget, and setting aside a portion of any expenditure for investment [35].