Money personality types: saver, enjoyer, planner or giver?

Where money habits come from

Financial psychologists often talk about money scripts: unspoken beliefs about money that we absorb in childhood. “Money is hard to come by.” “Spending on yourself is selfish.” “Money is meant to be enjoyed.” These beliefs usually come from what we watched at home, not from what we were told. They shape everyday choices long before we think about budgets or interest rates.

Personality plays a role too. People higher in conscientiousness tend to save more and plan further ahead; people higher in openness and extraversion are often more drawn to new experiences that cost money.

The four TraitMix money styles

The Saver

Feels safest when the balance is growing. Rarely overspends, rarely panics in a crisis. Blind spot: may struggle to enjoy money even when it is clearly affordable, and can feel anxious when others spend. Try: set aside a small guilt-free spending amount each month, and actually spend it.

The Enjoyer

Sees money as a way to live well now: dinners, trips, concerts, a nice home. Often generous and fun to be around. Blind spot: savings can lag, and big unexpected bills hit hard. Try: automate savings on payday so the enjoying happens with what is left.

The Planner

Tracks spending, compares prices and likes knowing where every coin goes. Usually the one who sets up the family budget. Blind spot: can over-control and make others feel watched; may delay good decisions while researching. Try: set a “good enough” rule for small purchases, such as no comparison shopping under a fixed amount.

The Giver

Loves treating friends, supporting family and donating to causes. Money is a way to show care. Blind spot: can neglect their own goals or feel taken for granted. Try: set a yearly giving budget so generosity is planned rather than draining.

Most people are a mix

Your money personality test result shows all four styles as a profile. Common combinations include the saver-planner (secure and organised, sometimes rigid) and the enjoyer-giver (warm and generous, sometimes short at the end of the month). Knowing your mix helps you choose which habit to work on first.

Money styles in relationships

Different styles can balance each other well: a planner and an enjoyer can build a budget that includes real fun. Problems arise when each style is seen as a character flaw rather than a preference. Our guide on how couples can stop fighting about money covers the conversation step by step.

A simple exercise

1. Write down three money rules you grew up with, spoken or unspoken.
2. Mark which ones you still follow.
3. For each, ask: does this rule still serve me today?
4. Keep the helpful ones. Pick one unhelpful rule to experiment with for a month.

Money styles are closely linked to values. If security or enjoyment came out on top in your core values test, you will probably recognise it in your spending.

This guide describes attitudes and habits. It is not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions