What term describes the process where consumers choose how much attention to give to a message?

Selective attention is the term that describes the process where consumers decide how much focus or attention to allocate to a specific message. This concept is essential in personal finance and marketing because individuals are constantly bombarded with stimuli, including advertisements, financial advice, and product information. By filtering through these messages, consumers can concentrate on the information they deem relevant or important, which influences their purchasing decisions and financial behaviors.

Understanding selective attention helps marketers tailor their messages to capture the audience's focus effectively. It also aids consumers in navigating the overwhelming amount of financial information available, allowing them to make informed choices based on what they have prioritized and deemed significant.