Have you ever wondered why some people love saving every dollar, while others can’t wait to spend it? Or why some people naturally enjoy sharing what they have, while others like to carefully plan every decision?
The way we think about and interact with money is shaped by our money personality.
And it’s not just adults who have different approaches to money. Kids start developing their own money habits, beliefs and behaviours from a surprisingly young age.
The conversations they hear at home, the choices they see us make and their own experiences with earning, spending and saving all help shape the way they think about money.
Understanding your child’s money personality is a powerful first step in helping them build confidence and develop smart money habits that will last a lifetime.
What is a money personality?
A money personality describes the natural way someone tends to think about and use money.
Some people love planning ahead. Some enjoy spending and experiencing things in the moment. Some naturally think about helping others. Others feel happiest watching their savings grow.
There is no “right” or “wrong” money personality. Every type has strengths, and every type has opportunities to learn and grow.
The goal isn’t to change who your child is — it’s to help them understand their natural tendencies and learn how to make thoughtful choices with money.
The 4 money personalities kids may have
Every child is different, but many kids will naturally lean towards one or more of these four money personalities.
The Spender 💸
“I love using my money to enjoy something now.”
Spenders often get excited about what they can buy and enjoy the feeling of making a purchase. They can be great at recognising what they want and making decisions quickly.
The learning opportunity for Spenders is understanding patience, planning and thinking about whether something is worth the time and effort it takes to earn the money.
Helpful money lessons for Spenders include:
- Understanding the difference between needs and wants
- Waiting before buying something
- Setting goals before spending
The Saver 💰
“I like watching my money grow.”
Savers often enjoy keeping track of their money and feel proud watching their savings increase. They may happily wait for something they really want because they know the reward will be worth it.
The learning opportunity for Savers is finding a healthy balance between saving for the future and enjoying money in the present.
Helpful money lessons for Savers include:
- Setting meaningful savings goals
- Understanding when spending is okay
- Enjoying the rewards of their hard work
The Sharer ❤️
“Money can be used to help others.”
Sharers understand that money is about more than buying things. They enjoy giving, helping and making a difference with what they have.
The learning opportunity for Sharers is understanding that generosity is wonderful, but it’s also important to make thoughtful choices and look after their own financial goals.
Helpful money lessons for Sharers include:
- Making intentional choices about giving
- Understanding generosity and boundaries
- Recognising the value of their own money
The Planner 📋
“I like knowing what happens next.”
Planners enjoy thinking ahead, setting goals and making careful decisions. They may like comparing options, organising their money and having a clear idea of what they want to achieve.
The learning opportunity for Planners is learning that it’s okay to adapt, make mistakes and enjoy money without having everything perfectly mapped out.
Helpful money lessons for Planners include:
- Setting realistic goals
- Making decisions with confidence
- Being flexible when plans change
Money personalities aren’t set in stone
If you’re reading this thinking, “Uh oh, my child spends every dollar they get!” don’t worry.
A money personality isn’t a permanent label. It’s simply a way to understand natural tendencies and behaviours.
Just like kids develop new interests and skills as they grow, their relationship with money can change too.
A child who loves spending today can absolutely become someone who saves and plans for the future tomorrow. A child who is naturally cautious with money can learn that it’s okay to enjoy spending too.
The goal is not to put your child in a box. It’s to help them become more aware of their choices and build the skills they need to feel confident with money.
Helping kids understand their money personality
In the very first lesson of the Squeeze The Day course, kids explore their own money personality and discover which type feels most like them.
The purpose isn’t simply to give them a label. It’s to help them understand themselves and start thinking about the choices they make with money.
They might begin asking questions like:
- Do I spend without thinking?
- Do I save for things I really want?
- Do I enjoy sharing my money with others?
- Do I like planning what I will do with my money?
- Could I make different choices?
These simple conversations help children build financial literacy, self-awareness and confidence with money.
Small money choices create big habits
Understanding your child’s money personality is just the beginning.
The choices kids make with money today help shape the habits they’ll carry into the future. Whether your child is naturally a Saver, Spender, Sharer, Planner — or a mix of all four — the important thing is helping them learn how to make thoughtful decisions.
Money habits aren’t something kids suddenly learn when they turn 18. They are built slowly through everyday experiences, conversations and opportunities to practise.
Because the best time to teach kids about money is before they need to know.
Squeeze The Day, start today!