THe Money Mirror: which one are you?

Here’s a friendly rundown of different money profiles you might relate to, along with how these feelings and situations can shape your financial choices—and where you might focus to make a change:

The Anxious Saver

You Feel: Constant worry about the future, a fear of running out of money, or a belief that you must be prepared for every possible “what if.”

Impact on Financial Decisions: You might hoard cash and hesitate to spend—even on things that bring you joy or comfort.

TRY: Work on finding balance by setting aside both an emergency fund and money for experiences or self-care. Recognize that saving is great, but it’s also okay to enjoy what you have.

The Retail Therapist

You Feel: Feeling down, lonely, or stressed might lead you to seek a quick mood boost through shopping.

Impact on Financial Decisions: Emotional spending can lead to buying items you don’t really need, leaving you with regret once the moment passes.

TRY: Explore alternative ways to cope with your feelings—like talking with a friend or engaging in a hobby—while creating a budget that allows for occasional treats without overspending.

The Financial Fawner

You Feel: A strong desire for validation or acceptance may push you to buy trendy items or brands that signal “status.”

Impact on Financial Decisions: You might overspend on what others think is “cool” even if it stretches your budget.

TRY: Work on building self-confidence and recognizing your self-worth beyond material things. Setting clear financial boundaries can help you prioritize what truly matters.

The Avoider

You Feel: Overwhelmed or ashamed when it comes to finances might lead you to steer clear of bills, budgeting, or even checking your bank account.

Impact on Financial Decisions: This avoidance can make it harder to catch up with overdue bills or plan for the future.

TRY: Start small—set aside a little time regularly to check in on your finances. Using simple tools or seeking a bit of support can make these tasks feel less daunting.

The Impulsive Spender

You Feel: In moments of excitement, stress, or even boredom, you might make snap decisions to buy something without thinking it through.

Impact on Financial Decisions: These spur-of-the-moment purchases can add up, leaving you with regret later on.

Try: Try giving yourself a pause before buying—maybe a “cooling-off” period—to evaluate if you really need the item. Mindfulness can be a great tool here.

The Self-Saboteur

You Feel: Sometimes deep-seated feelings of low self-worth or guilt can lead you to make choices that undermine your financial well-being.

Impact on Financial Decisions: This might show up as ignoring good advice, not planning for the future, or even spending in ways that feel self-destructive.

Try: Focus on self-compassion and recognize that you deserve financial stability. Sometimes, working with a trusted friend or professional can help reframe these habits.

The Procrastinator

You Feel: The sheer overwhelm of financial tasks can lead you to put off budgeting, bill-paying, or planning for the future.

Impact on Financial Decisions: Delays can pile up, adding unnecessary stress and sometimes leading to missed opportunities to save or invest.

Try: Break tasks into small, manageable steps. Setting specific, short-term goals can help turn procrastination into progress.

Each of these profiles reflects natural reactions to life’s ups and downs. By identifying which one (or ones) you might relate to, you can start to take small, mindful steps toward a healthier relationship with money. Remember, understanding your feelings is the first step to making lasting change—your journey is uniquely yours.