What's Your Money Personality?

Take this quick quiz to discover your money personality.  And, since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I threw in a tip or two about how to be a better financial partner.  Because we could all use a little more relationship advice around this time of year, right?  (Er...maybe not).  In any case, answer the questions to see where you fall on the financial spectrum.  When you’re done, pass the quiz on to your other half to compare answers. 

And remember to come back tomorrow to take our follow-up quiz: "Are You a Good Money Match?"

If you received $5,000 unexpectedly, you would most likely:
a) Use it to make that big purchase you’ve been dreaming about.
b) Put it into savings.
c) Keep it in your checking account and figure out what to do with it later.

It’s pay day. You are most likely to:
a) Splurge a little...you just got paid!
b) Sit down and start allocating your check according to your budget.
c) Forget that today was pay day.

Your main financial priority is to:
a) Make that next big purchase, like a trip to Europe, a new car, or a piece of furniture.  
b) Cut back on spending so you can boost your savings. 
c) Pay your rent and other monthly bills on time. 

When you don’t have enough cash for something you really want, you:
a) Put it on credit and figure you’ll pay it off later.
b) Save up until you can afford it.
c) Decide to go without it for now. 

Your current saving strategy is to:
a) Buy what you need (and want) now, and save whatever’s left.  
b) Fund retirement and savings accounts before buying any "extras". 
c) I don’t have a savings strategy.

I am more likely than my partner to:
a) Make an impulse purchase.
b) Research a new savings account.
c) Forget to pay a bill on time.

When it comes to credit cards, you:
a) Use them more than you should, and have trouble paying down your balance in full.
b) Try not to use them unless it’s an emergency, or only charge what you know you can pay off each month.
c) Use them only because you routinely forget to carry cash with you.

When it comes to a budget, you:
a) Have a budget, but are rarely able to stick to it.
b) Enjoy making and following one.
c) Haven’t gotten around to making one, or don’t really think it’s necessary.

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Answer Key

Big Spender (mostly A’s)

Individually, you are a spender. Money buys things that make you happy, like clothes, fancy meals out, tech gadgets, and cute stuff for your house. Unfortunately, you usually wind up with large credit card balances that you can’t pay off in full each month. You don’t worry too much about long-term financial planning and saving, but rather hope the money will just kinda be there in the future. 

Be a better financial partner by trying to reign in your spending. If you haven’t already, sit down and draw up a budget based on your income and necessary expenses. Don’t forget to put some in savings, too. The amount leftover is what you can go out and spend on all those "extras". 

Super Saver (mostly B’s)

Individually, you are a saver. You have strong financial goals, and the discipline to reach them. You strive to fund your retirement accounts and keep enough money in savings to get you through a rainy day. Just don’t forget to live a little, amidst all that saving and investing. 

Be a better financial partner by sharing your financial savvy. Communicating about money with your honey will help you both get on the same page and work harder towards shared goals. 

Dreamer (mostly C’s)

Individually, you aren’t very money-minded. You know money is important, but you never quite seem to get your finances organized. Frankly, all of those lists and budgets seem pretty daunting to you. You sometimes miss deadlines for paying your bills, and have wished more than once that money stuff could just take care of itself. You have better things to do.

Be a better financial partner by communicating your income and your expenses. Take over at least one financial chore, such as paying the gas bill or delivering the doggie daycare check each month.