Do Certain Personality Types Save More?
I was intrigued to see this article on how big spenders tend to marry big savers. I’m not sure that the article was correct in that they seem to be focused on the extreme ends of the spectrum, extreme savers and extreme savers. Perhaps what they were showing was that extreme types tend to be attracted to each other.
Anyway, this got me to thinking about personality types and other traits. Among personal financial blogs, I’ve found that certain pesonality types tend to dominate the PF-blogs. In particular, since keeping detailed records and tracking spending tends to correlate with success in saving, it seems that many bloggers (and readers) have the Myers Briggs type I-S-T-J. Unfortunately, from the standpoint of naturally gravitating toward savings behavior, I am an ENFP. I do not like keeping records, am perpetually procrastinating, and I think about big picture things rather than details. Hmmm…
Here are some other observations from my informal pool of friends and reading the blogs, in a non-scientific anecdotal fashion. These seem to be more common characteristics among people who have had success in shifting to a simpler, more sustainable life-style:
–ISTJ or INTJ
–Cat person
–College or advanced degree
–Married or in committed relationship or long-term single
–Currently very interested in health, fitness, or healthy eating
–A high percentage opt not to have children
–Has Cfl lightbulbs
Interestingly, I am an ENFP, dog person (hubby is a cat person), graduate degree, married, interested in healthy eating, no kids, and with Cfl. Don’t know if the personality type is responsible for the lack of focus at times, or if it’s the love of dogs?
Editor’s pick at this week’s Festival of Frugality
lol! i love this. it describes me perfectly
Carrie, my twin? or my opposite? Thanks for visiting.
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That’s totally me. But I’m still on the fence about the CFL light bulbs, because of mercury content (you throw one out, and it’s instant toxic waste).
Melanie, I was going to write “Has installed Cfl lightbulbs, feels guilty about disposing them in the future:). The newer LEDs should become much more affordable shortly, and many communities have a hazmat disposal designated space.
Ha! Well done! I only differ a little. Here’s me:
–ISTJ
–Crazy dog person
–College degree
–Freshly divorced (though not my choice)
–Interested in GOOD but healthy eating
–Opted not to have children
–Has Cfl lightbulbs
SMB, good to meet you.
Me:
–INTJ
–Allergic to furry animals, though I love them
–In college
–Long-term single
–Currently very interested in health, fitness, or healthy eating
–A high percentage opt not to have children (I’m told that this is a common attitude in college students. It might be, and because I’m a planner *INTJ* I’ve already researched pregnancy tips, diapers, and breastfeeding techniques as well as the costs incurred while raising children. I have looked at good public school systems and child care options in the areas where I expect to live later when I have my degree. I’m incredibly maternal, so there is a high possibility of a change of heart when I find a good SO.)
–Has Cfl lightbulbs – Who wouldn’t??
Mneiae, this is so interesting. I’m told the thing cats love the most is someone with cat allergies! Thanks for commenting.
[...] Gal presents Do Certain Personality Types Save More? posted at Modern Gal. This is kind of crazy because I apparently perfectly fit the stereotype for [...]