Understanding Your Financial Personality

Money is not just about math. It is also very much about behavior. The way you think, feel, and act around money shapes your financial future as much as the numbers in your accounts. That is why understanding your financial personality, whatever it may be, is such a crucial step in achieving long-term financial success.

Some people take great comfort in watching their savings grow, while others find more satisfaction in enjoying what money can buy right now. Some crave certainty and numbers to back up every choice, while others feel most confident when a trusted advisor or family member helps them decide. None of these approaches is inherently right or wrong, but each carries its own set of strengths and blind spots.

To help determine what financial personality you lean toward, here’s a short quiz.

Quick Quiz: What’s Your Financial Personality?

Scenario 1: An Unexpected Windfall
You receive an unexpected $1,000. What do you do first?
A. Put the money into your savings or emergency fund right away.
B. Spend it on something enjoyable, like a trip or a special purchase.
C. Look into different choices such as paying debt, investing, or saving before deciding.
D. Wait to act until you can check in with someone whose judgment you trust.

Scenario 2: A Big Raise at Work
You get a significant raise. What is your first move?
A. Increase contributions to retirement or other savings accounts.
B. Celebrate with a nice dinner, a vacation, or a new upgrade at home.
C. Run the numbers and review strategies for taxes, investments, and spending.
D. Ask your advisor or partner to create a plan so you do not have to figure it out on your own.

Scenario 3: An Inheritance
You receive a $50,000 inheritance. What do you do first?
A. Place most of it in a safe account or a long-term investment.
B. Use some of it right away for travel, a remodel, or another personal goal.
C. Study investment options, tax rules, and strategies before taking action.
D. Rely on a professional or family member to handle the details while you focus elsewhere.

Scenario 4: A Market Downturn
The stock market suddenly drops 20 percent. How do you respond?
A. Stay the course and trust your long-term plan.
B. Consider investing more since prices may be lower.
C. Review data, forecasts, and charts to decide if you should adjust.
D. Touch base with your advisor or a friend to hear their approach before making a choice.

Scenario 5: A Big Expense Ahead
You know you will need $30,000 in two years for a home project. What is your first move?
A. Open a separate savings account and begin funding it.
B. Put off saving for now and trust that you will find a way later.
C. Compare savings and investment vehicles to find the most effective option.
D. Look for guidance from someone experienced so you can follow their lead.

Scoring Your Results
For each scenario, jot down your answer (A, B, C, or D). When you finish, see which letter you chose most often. That points to your dominant financial personality:

• Mostly A’s → The Squirrel Saver
  You feel secure when money is safely set aside. Saving first comes naturally, but remember to give yourself permission to enjoy today too.

• Mostly B’s → The You Only Live Once (YOLO) Spender
  You believe money is for living, creating memories, and enjoying life. Just make sure your generosity and spontaneity do not jeopardize your long-term goals.

• Mostly C’s → The Analyzer
  You like having data, options, and certainty before acting. Research is your superpower, but beware of getting stuck in analysis paralysis while opportunities pass you by.

• Mostly D’s → The Delegator
  You trust and rely on others for financial guidance. This lowers stress and keeps you focused on what you value most, but make sure you stay engaged enough to feel confident and in control.

Many people are a blend of these types, but usually one is dominant. The goal is not to change who you are but to understand your tendencies.

The Squirrel Saver
If you are a Squirrel Saver, your natural instinct is to protect what you earn. You get satisfaction from setting money aside and watching your accounts grow. This habit gives you security and resilience in difficult times. You are prepared for emergencies and rarely have to scramble for resources when life throws you a curveball.

The challenge for savers is that sometimes the desire for security comes at the cost of living in the present. You may hesitate to spend on experiences or miss opportunities for joy because you feel more comfortable leaving the money untouched. I have seen clients reach retirement with plenty of savings but struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy it.

A good practice for savers is to create a dedicated “fun fund.” Set aside a specific amount each year for travel, hobbies, or experiences and commit to using it. This way you preserve your discipline while still making room for a richer life.

The You Only Live Once (YOLO) Spender
If you are a YOLO Spender, you believe money is meant to be enjoyed. You live in the moment and want your money to bring joy, adventure, and generosity. You are often the person picking up the tab with friends. or booking the family trip that creates memories for a lifetime.

The strength of this personality is the ability to infuse life with joy and meaningful experiences, and to make sure money is actually used for what matters. The challenge is that without structure, spending can outpace saving and leave long-term goals underfunded. I once worked with a couple who loved to travel but consistently dipped into retirement savings to pay for big trips. We set up a system where savings were automated first, and any remaining funds went into a dedicated travel account.

If you identify as a spender, automating your savings is a great strategy. By taking care of your future first, you can spend the rest with confidence and without [too much] guilt.

The Analyzer
If you are an Analyzer, you love information. The more data the better. You take the time to compare options, run the numbers, and understand all the details before making a decision. You might know the expense ratios of all your funds, follow market updates closely, and research every possible choice before acting. Your strength is that you rarely make rash decisions. The blind spot is that you can get stuck in analysis paralysis, waiting for the perfect answer while opportunities pass you by.

A client of mine held a large amount of cash, convinced that the market was “too high” and that a better buying opportunity was just around the corner. She tracked every dip and rebound, waiting for the perfect entry point. But, as she waited, the market moved steadily higher, and she ended up missing years of compounded growth. In the end, it turned out that staying on the sidelines for a prolonged period was actually riskier than putting her money to work.

For analyzers, the best habit is to set deadlines for decisions. Decide in advance how much research is enough and then commit to acting. Remember that a good decision made today is usually better than a perfect decision made too late.

The Delegator
If you are a Delegator, you know the value of trusting others. You are comfortable leaning on advisors, friends, or family members for guidance. This allows you to spend your time and energy on the things you value most rather than worrying about financial details. Delegators often experience less stress around money because they are willing to share responsibility.

The risk, however, is leaning so heavily on others that you become disconnected from your own finances. I have seen situations where one partner managed all of the couples’ finances, and when that person passed away, the surviving partner felt lost. Delegators can protect themselves by staying engaged. Even if you prefer to rely on professionals or partners, make it a habit to ask questions, review statements, and ensure you understand the big picture. By doing so, you keep the benefits of delegation while avoiding the risks of dependence.

The Bottom Line

No financial personality is better than another. Each type has qualities that can lead to success, and each has challenges that require attention. Spenders can safeguard their future by saving automatically. Savers can give themselves permission to enjoy today by setting boundaries that allow for guilt-free spending. Analyzers can keep their research strengths while avoiding paralysis by establishing clear decision timelines. Delegators can continue to lean on trusted partners while staying informed enough to feel confident and secure.

Money is deeply personal, and the more you understand your own relationship with it, the better prepared you will be. By taking the time to recognize your financial personality, you are giving yourself a tool that can guide you for years to come. You will know when to lean into your strengths and when to watch out for blind spots. Most importantly, you will know that financial success is not about fitting into someone else’s mold but about working with the tendencies you already have. In the end, knowing your financial personality gives you the freedom to build wealth on your own terms and the confidence to make it last.

This commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC or performance returns of any Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC Investments client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management, LLC manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.