I’m a huge personality type test girl.
Sometimes a single sentence “I’m an Aries” can encapsulate so many complex scenarios.
But jokes aside, I genuinely believe that well-researched personality tests like the MBTI, can provide helpful frameworks in navigating complex situations.
And what’s more complex than personal finance?
Today’s post is a bit of a twist on money because managing money is not just crunching numbers.
It’s also about understanding ourselves and putting the word personal in personal finance.
So here, we’ll get a glimpse of how each MBTI personality type views money, what financial tendencies or habits they have, and how they could create a money system that sets them up for success. Because every type (and person) is different!
This one’s a Feeler edition, so stay tuned for the Thinker version!
What is the MBTI test?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known, popular personality type framework that groups people into 16 categories.
It asks you about how you prefer to interact with the world (outgoing or introverted), take in information (facts or possibilities), make decisions (logic or emotion), and approach life (structured or flexible).
Your answers reveal your personality type, which can help you understand yourself and your relationships with others.
Money Tips for Each Personality Type
Diplomats
Diplomats care about helping and connecting with others. They prefer cooperating and getting along with others over competing.
They are usually sensitive to other people’s feelings and strive to be kind and generous.
INFJ
INFJs are idealistic and compassionate and have a very clear sense of what they value. They are rarely driven by money and success alone. And this shows in their financial life- they can save for what matters but may struggle with practical financial planning.
Strengths: Values quality over quantity, good at finding deals and discounts, saves for meaningful goals.
Downfalls: Might avoid financial planning due to idealism, may struggle with emotional spending for loved ones or neglect personal financial needs for their vision
Tips:
– Approach budgeting/saving as a tool to achieve your vision and values (ex. “Saving for a green energy home will reduce my carbon footprint” or “I’d like to spend my late 30s living in a different country”)
– Set up automatic transfers to savings and retirement accounts to reduce decision-making
– Schedule “Financial Dates” with yourself. Block out regular time in your calendar to review finances, pay bills, and plan for the future. Treat it like a self-care routine
– Find a money buddy (a friend or partner) to discuss financial goals and hold each other accountable
INFP
INFPs are not particularly interested in money but are rather focused on finding and fulfilling their purpose. This may lead to deprioritizing finances- whether it’s savings, income, investing, etc.
Strengths: Values experiences, good at saving for meaningful goals, avoids unnecessary spending.
Downfalls: Can detach from financial matters, might struggle earning a secure income
Tips:
– Explore careers that align with your passions and/or values. If that’s not feasible, consider freelance work or side hustles that fulfill you creatively
– Start small with automated investments and see how even small amounts add up over time. This will be more motivating
– Build your budgeting experience slowly by allocating a portion of your budget for experiences you love (e.g. classes, workshops, travel)
– Learn basic financial literacy through personal finance podcasts, books, or online courses
ENFP
ENFPs are a creative bunch. They love novelty like new items and experiences which can get costly. They may experience a clash between their creative, ideal vision and practical money matters like budgeting.
Strengths: Creative earner, prioritizes experiences with loved ones.
Downfalls: Impulsive with spending due to enthusiasm, struggles with budgets, risks neglecting long-term goals
Tips:
– Gamify your savings: turn saving into a game! Track your progress towards goals visually, set mini-challenges, and reward yourself for milestones
– Take a 24-hour “cool-down” period before impulsive purchases. Ask yourself “Will this bring me lasting joy?” or “Do I already have something that serves this purpose?“
– Consider budget-friendly experiences with friends and loved ones (e.g. picnics, potlucks, game nights). For pricier experience, set aside a savings account (a sinking fund) to deposit money into
ENFJ
ENFJs value money because it can help them be generous and enjoy experiences with their loved ones. Many are organized and understand the importance of saving. But the organization may not always mean they have a clear financial roadmap
Strengths: Generous with loved ones, good at budgeting for group activities, prioritizes experiences over possessions.
Downfalls: May overspend on causes they care about or from feeling societal pressure, might neglect their own financial security in favor of others’ needs
Tips:
– Create a sinking fund (a separate savings account) to allocate funds for experiences with loved ones, self-care, and causes you care about. This will help you from overspending and spend guilt-free
– Write your short-term and long-term goals down and share with close friends and loved ones. Be transparent when spending related to group activities or peer expectations clash with your goals
Sentinels
The Sentinel types are cooperative, practical, and grounded. They are confident in their good character and competence.
Sentinels often seek stability, order, security and work hard to maintain this. This shows in their preference for a clear set of rules and proven methods over a search for innovation.
ISFJ
ISFJs are hardworking, practical, and responsible and strive to care for their family and loved ones by providing for tangible needs. With their dedication to their closest circle and a secure future, ISFJs excel at many aspects of personal finance, particularly in organizing and following a defined system.
Strengths: Excellent at saving for concrete and tangible goals especially when they involve loved ones, prioritizes financial security, great organizational skills
Downfalls: May deprioritze less tangible needs like long-term retirement planning, can get overly anxious about losing financial security, might feel obligated to help others financially even when it strains them
Tips:
– While you excel at saving for specific goals like a new car or child’s education, consider prioritizing less tangible, long-term goals like retirement
– Explore low-risk investment options beyond traditional savings accounts to balance stability and wealth-building
– Celebrate milestones! Track your progress towards financial goals and take time to celebrate accomplishments. This positive reinforcement keeps you motivated on your financial journey
ESFJ
True to their social and popular nature, ESFJs enjoy spending on social expenses. They like to maintain a stylish, comfortable home and enjoy events with people. Though they may sometimes overspend, they stay grounded to their practical and security-driven nature.
Strengths: Savvy shopper, creates a hospitable home, works hard to prioritize job security and abundance for self and loved ones
Downfalls: May spend to maintain social status, susceptible to impulse buys for themselves and others
Tips:
– Create a budget that includes a realistic allowance for social activities and home comforts. Track your spending and adjust as needed, prioritizing financial goals yet leaving room for flexibility and occasional splurges.
– Try “social media fasts” by deleting Instagram and other social media apps for days or weeks at a time to tune out the social noise
– Unsubscribe from brand emails to prevent impulse buys
Explorers
Explorer types thrive in uncertain situations, as they are incredibly flexible and adaptable. Although they’re typically not obsessed with detail, they can be intensely focused when “in the zone.” Explorers live for change and prefer workability over perfection.
ISFP
ISFPs are quiet observers who prize authenticity and beauty. They channel their passion into creative pursuits and value experiences that stimulate their senses and individuality. This may lead to deprioritizing financial stability and budgeting.
Strengths: Values quality craftsmanship, invests in tools that fuel their passion, prioritizes inspiring experiences
Downfalls: Prone to neglecting financial planning, susceptible to impulse buys for creative pursuits
Tips:
– Get creative with budgeting and expense tracking to make it more fun and motivating (e.g. bullet journaling, visual budget tracker)
– Set aside specific spending categories related to your passion in your budget (e.g. workshops, travel, art supplies). This way, you can spend reasonably and still pursue your passions
– Consider ways to exchange your skills or creative passions for extra cash
ESFP
ESFPs are life-of-the-party types. They’re spontaneous, energetic, and fun-loving people who thrive on social connection and new experiences. Their enthusiasm for living in the moment can be helpful for a vibrant social life but risky for their finances.
Strengths: Resourceful spender, enjoys finding deals, creates a fun and vibrant lifestyle
Tendencies: May spend often in small bursts, susceptible to live in the moment and risk neglecting long-term saving
Tips:
– Track your “mini-spends”: While you might not make huge purchases often, the frequent smaller spending can add up quickly. Use an app to track your daily spending for a month or two to identify where you can make adjustments
– Automate your savings and investments. This “out of sight, out of mind” strategy ensures you save regularly without much thinking or willpower
– Set aside a specific amount of money each week for entertainment to curb impulsive spending. Use a separate sinking fund/savings account or an actual jar to fund outings
Feeler Personality Types and Money
While every personality type and individual person is so vastly different from each other, there are a couple of common financial traits we see among Feeler personality types.
One is the more impulsive or emotional spending often from prioritizing friends and family, social activities, and their values and passions.
Another common trait is the detachment from strategic financial planning or a general lack of interest in money matters.
But with a few actionable steps, these tendencies can be curbed and managed to set each personality type up for success!
Closing Thoughts
While I hope this post got an emphatic nod from someone who just understood how their personality affects their money habits, I want to clarify that every individual is different.
Again, I love MBTI and other personality types. They’re often helpful frameworks that offer insights and describe general tendencies.
But they are not the absolute truth. So take it with a grain of salt.
Also don’t get discouraged by the downfalls or weaknesses described about your type. Consider it an opportunity to reflect on your tendencies and as a tool for self-awareness (whether you relate to it or not).
By understanding your own type, you can identify your strengths and areas for growth. And now you can focus on building habits that work for YOU.
OK, stay tuned for the Thinker version!
