Which Type of Money‑Waster Are You?
Given the chance, anyone can become a pro at spending—shopping is hard to resist. Curious what kind of spender you are? Let's take the quiz!
1. Do you especially enjoy sunny days?
2. Are you quick-tempered?
3. You’re getting a gift ready for a friend. Which of the following is a must for the packaging?
4. Are you a “night owl”?
5. If a medication you have has just passed its expiration date, would you still take it?
6. When you go to the supermarket, do you make sure you never come home empty-handed?
7. How do you record your experiences?
8. Do you like buying quirky things?
9. How do you view women who would date someone in exchange for a BMW?
10. When you don’t have enough money to buy something you really love, what do you do?
A. The Generous Type
You grew up fairly well-off and don’t worry about basic needs, so saving isn’t top of mind when you spend. If you like something, you buy it without hesitation. That puts you in the generous-spender camp. Because you haven’t really felt a cash crunch, saving doesn’t come naturally, and you tend to stop only when your wallet runs dry.
B. The Competitive Type
You’re image-conscious, enjoy showing off, and admire name brands. Other people’s envy gives you a strong boost of confidence. That makes you a competitive spender who splurges for the sake of appearances. But vanity can lead to shortfalls, so proceed with caution.
C. The Free-Spirited Type
You’re generally good at saving and pay close attention to every expense. But after holding back for a long time, you may treat yourself. Usually you don’t spend much, yet once you start, you can go a bit overboard until your wallet is empty. That makes you a free-spirited spender. Try not to be too hard on yourself—when it’s reasonable to spend, go for it—otherwise, pent-up restraint can lead to a big splurge that drains your savings.
D. The Brand Name Addict
You have a habit of collecting branded items. You don’t typically spend recklessly, but when your favorite label releases a limited edition, you’ll spare no expense—and that’s where your money often goes. This style of spending calls for solid financial backing; otherwise, you risk overextending yourself.