When using the two-second rule, if you reach the mark before you finish counting "one thousand two", you a. are not following closely enough. b. are following too closely. c. should increase your speed. d. should decrease your following distance.

B. Are following too closely.

The general rule is a 3 second "following distance" between cars to make sure you have time to brake or avoid a crash if the car in front of you slams on the breaks.

cognitive overload: having a lot on your mind impairs decision-making and tends to result in the simplest, but not necessarily best, option being selected.

empathy gaps: overlooking how you might feel in a different situation can result in unnecessary purchases, such as overbuying when shopping for food on an empty stomach.

optimism and overconfidence: wearing rose-tinted glasses and having unrealistic expectations about the future can affect money management and leave you unprepared for a change in circumstance.

instant gratification: seeking instant gratification drives impulsive spending and can undermine long-term planning and savings.

harmful habits: automatic or mindless behaviour can amplify a poor financial decision as it becomes a recurring event.

social norms: we are heavily influenced by the actions of others; while this can be in certain circumstances, it also contributes to the pressure to keep up with the joneses through conspicuous consumption.