How would you describe your personality?
Outgoing or shy?
Gutsy or cautious?
Creative or methodical?
Are you an introvert? Extrovert?
Personality tests are everywhere. Even before the days of social media quizzes (Which ___ are you?!), there were personality tests. The Myers-Briggs tests a number of different factors, including your introversion or extroversion, and how much you think and feel. The StrengthsFinder is a common test given in work environments. It identifies your top strengths, so you can look for careers or tasks that use your best skills.
I love personality tests, and I have a theory as to why I do. As people, we typically think that the way we operate is just plain right. So when we read a description of the way we think, work, and live, we’re flattered! We read our personality as a compliment, ignoring the disclaimer that there’s no “right answers” and assure ourselves that we’d won the personality lottery.
All that being said, I think there’s enormous value in understanding the way you operate. It helps you look for ways to take advantage of your strengths, and learn to grow in areas of weakness.
But your personality doesn’t end at work. Did you know you have a money personality, too? The way you handle money says a lot about you. When you get an extra $20, what do you do with it? Do you spend it? Save it? Give it away? Or do you invest it, hoping to turn it into more?
No matter how wise we are with money, we all have our weaknesses. You’re probably prone to one of the following three types of money personalities:
Money Star: It’s all about the bling. Spending on fancy things is a necessity, even when you can’t afford it.
Oblivious: You don’t think about money. You don’t know how much you make. When will you run out? Who knows.
Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish: You love deals and will gladly spend money on a bargain, even if it means purchasing something you don’t need.
Which are you? Watch as a few friends find out for themselves along a golden road:
Want to learn more about money personalities? We devoted an entire episode to the topic of money personalities during Season 5. From Check it out, and tell us how you handle money!