Exploring Different Relationships People Have with Money: Which One Are You?

Learn how your financial personality shapes your decisions. 

  • Fitz Villafuerte Fitz Villafuerte
  • calendar-icon Published January 21
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    Everyone has some kind of relationship with money, whether it’s love, hate, or something in between. 

    Our busy lives are often about finding the balance between work and life, about enjoying the present and preparing for the future. Each day, we make decisions on these (and more) according to what we believe is the best and right thing to do. 

    It’s important to realize that money impacts every decision we make, from simple ones like where to eat for lunch to major ones like what car to buy. Our choices are often influenced by our priorities, values, habits, and relationship with money. 

    Here are some common types of financial personalities, and as you read, think about which one sounds most like you. 

    The Saver vs. The Spender

    The Saver 
    Ah, the saver. You’re the type of person who gets a rush from watching your savings account grow. To you, money equals security. You’re cautious, goal-oriented, and probably have an emergency fund stashed away. Whether it’s for that dream home or an early retirement, you have your eye on the prize. 

    Pros: Financial stability, future preparedness, peace of mind. 

    Cons: Sometimes, you forget to live in the present, missing out on experiences or spontaneous fun. 

    The Spender 
    On the flip side, we have the spender. You believe money is meant to be enjoyed—why else work so hard for it, right? Whether it’s treating yourself to the latest tech gadget or saying yes to a spontaneous weekend getaway, your philosophy is all about living in the now. 

    Pros: You enjoy life to the fullest, no regrets, lots of exciting experiences. 

    Cons: Without a solid plan, you might find yourself in debt or with little saved for the future. 

    Which one are you? If you’re a spender, maybe it’s time to save a little more for rainy days. If you’re a saver, ask yourself if you’re missing out on enjoying your money today. 

    The Investor vs. The Risk-Averse

    The Investor 
    You’re not afraid to put your money to work, and you’re always thinking long-term. Investors are calculated risk-takers. You understand that the stock market has its ups and downs, but you trust that, over time, those risks will pay off. Your goal? Financial independence, maybe even an early retirement if all goes well. 

    Pros: Potential for significant wealth-building, financial freedom. 

    Cons: Market volatility can be stressful, and there’s always the risk of losses. 

    The Risk-Averse 
    The risk-averse type? You prefer the safer route. You value security over the thrill of potential gains. You might keep most of your money in a savings account or other low-risk investments like bonds because the idea of losing money keeps you up at night. 

    Pros: Consistent, low-stress financial growth. 

    Cons: Lower returns might mean slower progress toward big goals like retirement or buying property. 

    Which one are you? If you’re risk-averse, consider educating yourself on smart investing strategies. If you’re an investor, don’t forget to diversify and ensure you’re comfortable with your risk levels. 

    The Minimalist vs. The Materialist

    The Minimalist 
    For you, less is more. You value experiences over things, and you’re intentional about where your money goes. Minimalists often focus on spending only on what brings true value to their lives—whether that’s travel, health, or personal development. 

    Pros: Less financial stress, clarity, and freedom from material clutter. 

    Cons: You might miss out on some of life’s material comforts or feel out of step with peers who value different things. 

    The Materialist 
    You enjoy the finer things in life—luxury, gadgets, and all the latest trends. Whether it’s a designer handbag or the newest iPhone, you’re driven by the idea that your hard work should translate into tangible rewards. 

    Pros: The excitement of luxury and social status, motivation to work hard. 

    Cons: Financial strain, especially if your spending isn’t balanced with savings. 

    Which one are you? If you’re more of a materialist, be sure to keep your long-term goals in sight so you don’t sacrifice financial stability for short-term pleasure. If you’re a minimalist, enjoy your simplicity, but make sure it’s not limiting you from exploring new possibilities. 

    The Giver vs. The Hoarder

    The Giver 
    You love helping others, and you find meaning in sharing your wealth. Whether it’s donating to causes you care about or helping out friends in need, generosity is part of who you are. 

    Pros: Fulfillment from knowing you’re making a positive impact. 

    Cons: If you’re always giving, you might neglect your own financial security or become a crutch for others. 

    The Hoarder 
    On the opposite end, we have the hoarder. For you, money represents safety, and the thought of losing it is almost unbearable. You’re constantly saving and rarely spend on yourself, even when you can afford to. 

    Pros: Incredible financial security and peace of mind. 

    Cons: You might be missing out on life’s pleasures by focusing too much on saving. 

    Which one are you? Givers, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. Hoarders, treat yourself occasionally—you’ve earned it! 

    Money as a Means vs. Money as an End

    Money as a Means to an End 
    You see money as a tool to achieve your goals—whether it’s traveling, starting a business, or enjoying life with friends and family. You don’t chase money for its own sake, but you recognize its value in creating opportunities and fulfilling your dreams. 

    Pros: A balanced and healthy view of money, using it for experiences and personal growth. 

    Cons: You may need to be more disciplined to ensure your financial future is as bright as your present. 

    Money as an End in Itself 
    For you, the pursuit of money is the goal. It’s not about what money can buy but about having it, growing it, and accumulating wealth. Financial success gives you a sense of achievement and power. 

    Pros: High motivation to build wealth and achieve financial success. 

    Cons: Money can become an obsession, leading to an imbalance in your work-life dynamics. 

    Which one are you? If you see money as an end, it’s important to reflect on whether it’s truly bringing you happiness. If you see it as a means, make sure your current spending habits align with your long-term goals. 

    Emotional vs. Rational Money Management

    Emotional Money Management 
    You make financial decisions based on how you feel. Stress, happiness, or fear can all impact whether you save or spend. Maybe you treat yourself to something nice after a tough week or make an impulse buy because it feels good in the moment. 

    Pros: Spontaneity and the ability to enjoy life without overthinking every decision. 

    Cons: Impulse decisions can lead to overspending and regret later. 

    Rational Money Management 
    You base your money decisions on logic, planning, and facts. Every dollar is accounted for, and you rarely make a move without considering how it impacts your long-term goals. 

    Pros: Financial discipline and stability, long-term success. 

    Cons: You might miss out on the fun and spontaneity of life by being overly rigid. 

    Which one are you? If you’re too emotional with your money, try introducing a budget. If you’re overly rational, remember that it’s okay to have some guilt-free fun every now and then. 

    Finding Your Balance

    At the end of the day, none of these money relationships are right or wrong—they’re just different. The key is recognizing where you fit and learning to balance your tendencies to build a healthier relationship with money. 

    If you’re a spender, maybe it’s time to save more for the future. If you’re a saver, give yourself permission to splurge occasionally. If you invest heavily, remember to evaluate your risks. And if you’re overly cautious, try learning more about wealth-building opportunities. 

    Money is more than a tool—it’s part of how we live, how we grow, and how we take care of ourselves and the people we care about. So, whether you’re a saver, spender, investor, or minimalist, take a step back and think about what really matters to you. Because finding your financial balance means you can enjoy today and build security for tomorrow. 

    So, what’s your money type? And how will you start balancing your financial life today? 

    Get more tips from Home Credit Philippines!

    As the financial ally of Filipinos, Home Credit provides world-class financial inclusion to help you achieve your goals. Get tips on managing your credit score and more on the Home Credit app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

    About the author: Fitz Gerard Villafuerte is a civil engineer who decided to quit the corporate world back in 2003 to pursue freelancing and entrepreneurship. You can read more financial tips on his blog, Ready To Be Rich, which has won several awards including the Best Business and Finance Blog at the Philippine Blog Awards. He is recognized by Moneysense Magazine as among the Top 12 Most Influential People in Personal Finance in the Philippines. He is an author; an online content creator; a Registered Financial Planner; a resource guest for various television and radio programs; and a corporate speaker and trainer for several socio-civic organizations in the country. Lastly, he is the President of Wealth Arki, Inc., an investment consultancy, and financial planning firm that helps Filipino families achieve their financial goals. 

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