Financial Archetypes
- Caitlin Muldoon
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Just as we have learned behavior that drives the way we interact in the world, we have learned money behavior that drives how we interact with money. The way you experienced, observed and learned about money as a child, both consciously and unconsciously, has impacted your money behavior.
Whatever your money behaviors are, understanding them (and then understanding why they may have formed) can provide a lot of validation in our money mindset, and allow us to start driving positive change in these behaviors. One way of identifying these behaviors is to align them with one or more of the financial archetypes.
Financial archetypes depict different personalities- each demonstrating different money behaviors.
Most people are a combination of 3-4 financial archetypes and have 1-2 dominant types.
Identifying the financial archetypes of those around you can also be helpful, especially when considering how they interact with your archetype.
Below are the eight financial archetypes- which ones are you right now?
The Saver
The Saver is disciplined and values financial security. They prioritize saving over spending, often budgeting meticulously and seeking low-risk investments. Their focus is on building a stable future and ensuring they have a safety net.
The Pleasure Seeker
The Pleasure Seeker lives for the moment and enjoys indulging in life’s experiences. They prioritize spending on leisure and enjoyment, often viewing money as a means to enhance their lifestyle. They might struggle with saving, as they prefer to invest in experiences rather than assets.
The Star
The Star is ambitious and often driven by success and recognition. They are attracted to high-stakes opportunities and may take risks to achieve their financial goals. They value status and are likely to invest in ventures that enhance their reputation or brand.
The Idealist
The Idealist approaches finances with a focus on values and ethics. They prioritize investments that align with their beliefs, such as socially responsible or sustainable options. While they may be less focused on wealth accumulation, they seek to make a positive impact through their financial choices.
The Empire Builder
The Empire Builder is entrepreneurial and visionary. They are focused on growth and expansion, often taking calculated risks to build their financial empire. Their passion for creating and scaling businesses drives their financial decisions and investments.
The Caretaker
The Caretaker prioritizes the well-being of others over their own financial needs. They may provide financial support to family and friends, often sacrificing their own savings for the sake of others. Their decisions are guided by a strong sense of responsibility and empathy.
The Innocent
The Innocent has a simplistic view of money and often lacks financial literacy. They may be trusting and optimistic, sometimes leading to vulnerability in financial matters. They value simplicity and may prefer to avoid complex financial decisions.
The Guardian
The Guardian is protective and cautious with money. They prioritize stability and risk management, often preferring traditional investment methods. They value security and are likely to create detailed financial plans to safeguard their assets and future.
Our financial archetypes aren't set in stone; they're likely to evolve as we evolve. This means we can understand our current archetypes as a benchmark, while still looking at other archetypes we may want to embody more, setting great opportunities for financial growth.
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