Why Investing Feels Harder Than It Should: Understanding Investor Behavior and Bias with Scott Bosworth (Ep. 193)
Wed Feb 04 2026
Why does investing feel so emotional, even when the plan is solid? This episode explores how psychology, and not just numbers, shapes the way investors react to markets.
In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA, is joined by Scott Bosworth, CFA, Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to discuss how investor behavior and common behavioral biases influence long-term investment outcomes. Scott explains why emotions often feel more powerful than logic during market swings and how those reactions are deeply rooted in human psychology, not a lack of intelligence or discipline.
The conversation also explores the tension between efficient markets and behavioral finance, and why understanding both is essential to staying invested through market cycles. Throughout the episode, Scott shares practical analogies and real-world examples that help investors better recognize their own biases and make more resilient decisions over time.
Scott discusses:
What behavioral finance is and why it matters for investors
The most common biases that affect decision-making, including overconfidence and hindsight bias
Why market headlines and media narratives can increase anxiety
How diversification and discipline help investors stay grounded during uncertainty
The role advisors play in helping clients navigate emotional market cycles
And more
Connect with Scott Bosworth:
LinkedIn: Scott Bosworth
Dimensional Fund Advisors
Connect with Larry Heller:
(631) 248-3600
Schedule a 20-Minute Call
Heller Wealth Management
LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA
YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP®
About Our Guest:
Scott Bosworth, CFA, is Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors. He has been with the firm since 1996 and brings decades of experience as a portfolio manager, institutional and advisory consultant, and trusted resource for advisors navigating market behavior and long-term investing principles.
More
Why does investing feel so emotional, even when the plan is solid? This episode explores how psychology, and not just numbers, shapes the way investors react to markets. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA, is joined by Scott Bosworth, CFA, Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to discuss how investor behavior and common behavioral biases influence long-term investment outcomes. Scott explains why emotions often feel more powerful than logic during market swings and how those reactions are deeply rooted in human psychology, not a lack of intelligence or discipline. The conversation also explores the tension between efficient markets and behavioral finance, and why understanding both is essential to staying invested through market cycles. Throughout the episode, Scott shares practical analogies and real-world examples that help investors better recognize their own biases and make more resilient decisions over time. Scott discusses: What behavioral finance is and why it matters for investors The most common biases that affect decision-making, including overconfidence and hindsight bias Why market headlines and media narratives can increase anxiety How diversification and discipline help investors stay grounded during uncertainty The role advisors play in helping clients navigate emotional market cycles And more Connect with Scott Bosworth: LinkedIn: Scott Bosworth Dimensional Fund Advisors Connect with Larry Heller: (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® About Our Guest: Scott Bosworth, CFA, is Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors. He has been with the firm since 1996 and brings decades of experience as a portfolio manager, institutional and advisory consultant, and trusted resource for advisors navigating market behavior and long-term investing principles.