Your money personality reflects how you perceive and use money. It embodies your personal set of values and other character or emotional traits. What’s your money personality? Let’s take a look:
#1: SAVERS
These are people who love to save money. They don’t necessarily have a goal in mind when they save; they just enjoy having money on hand. They are typically more frugal and are not concerned with keeping up with the Jones’s. They rarely use their credit cards and generally have low to no debt. They are also low risk-takers when it comes to investments.
Caution: SAVERS may miss out on the fun in life if they can’t find the balance between living and saving. Sometimes they miss opportunities to increase their net worth because they fear losing money.
Tip for Improvement: If you’re a SAVER, you can gain a bit more balance in your life by setting goals for different things you want to do, such as going on a vacation. Then once you reach your savings goal, book and take the vacation. As you continue to set goals, you’ll find it rewarding to live a little!
#2: INVESTORS
These people know a lot about money and how to use it properly; one may call them money savvy. They understand the time value associated with money and try their best to put it into investment options that will give them the best possible return. The INVESTOR’s ultimate goal is to make enough passive income from their investments to pay for all their bills (and then some).
Caution: While investing is good, INVESTORS may be a little too obsessed with saving. Unfortunately, some INVESTORS may value growing their assets for the future over enjoying life now.
Tip for Improvement: While INVESTORS are on the road to financial freedom, they should take out some money to “stop and smell the flowers” along the way.
#3: SHOPPERS
These people get an emotional boost from spending money. Many are conscious of their shopping addiction and worry about the debt it causes—but they do it anyway. Often, SHOPPERS spend money to cope with anxiety or stress. They search for good deals and are pleased when they find them.
Caution: SHOPPERS tend to buy things they don’t need, resulting in many unnecessary things to store—and a lot of debt.
Tip for Improvement: Consider starting a “No-Buying Challenge” to help keep your impulses in check. Then put the money you don’t spend into a savings account. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save. Also, talk to a professional financial advisor to help set up a reasonable budget that makes sense for your lifestyle.
#4: SPENDERS
These people love to spend money on the things they want, not necessarily on things they need. They are not bargain hunters and typically spend impulsively. If something new and exciting is on the market, SPENDERS usually purchase it without thinking about the consequences.
Caution: SPENDERS are comfortable with debt and usually spend more than they earn. Unfortunately, that can end in financial distress and, in extreme cases, bankruptcy.
Tip for Improvement: SPENDERS should learn to live within a budget. If you’re a SPENDER, it’s wise to find someone you trust to help you manage your finances and set up a realistic budget. Once you experience a little success paying down debt and feeling more financially free, you’ll feel more confident about your financial future.
#5: DEBTORS
These people may be SHOPPERS or SPENDERS, but the difference is that DEBTORS don’t keep track of their finances. They shop just to shop—they aren’t trying to make a statement or cheer themselves up.
Caution: Because they don’t control their spending habits, DEBTORS typically spend more than they make, resulting in high debt levels. Furthermore, they don’t really care about investing in the future as they live for today and not tomorrow.
Tip for Improvement: With the help of a trusted financial advisor, create a debt reduction strategy to help you get your debt under control. Then, organize your finances to create a strategy to invest in your future. These goals will help you begin to experience progress in saving money and living within your means.
We Can Help
Regardless of your money personality, Quail Creek Bank can help you move in the right direction. To start, set up an appointment with one of our financial advisors to create a budget, savings plan, or investment strategy. That way, you can take the steps you need to improve your financial future.
To set up an appointment with a QCB Financial Advisor, click here or call us at (405) 755-1000.
