The new year is the perfect time to reflect on your financial habits and make small changes that can have a big impact.
For over 10 years, I have worked with clients going through life transitions, such as divorce and retirement, to help them chart a new financial path. In my experience, there are six money personalities that describe how people’s beliefs and attitudes about money affect their daily lives.
Here’s my best money advice for each personality type heading into 2026.
1. The Giver
A giver has a heart of gold and a generous spirit. Whether it’s helping a friend in need, contributing to a worthy cause, or lending a hand to a stranger down on their luck, givers are always there. However, this can lead to overspending, neglect of personal financial needs, and even feelings of resentment.
My best money advice for 2026
For givers, the key is finding balance. By planning carefully and being more aware of when to say no, you can continue to support others without jeopardizing your own financial situation.
When you’re in a pinch, remember that there are many ways to fill your cup as well as someone else’s without costing you a penny. In fact, your time and talent can often have an even greater impact than your treasure.
2. Pioneer
Pioneers don’t follow the herd, they lead. They exude confidence and accept prudent risks. They are driven, focused, and relentless in their pursuit of success. But here’s the problem. Their fierce independence can lead to burnout and make them reluctant to ask for help.
My best money advice for 2026
Pioneers may be great at creating wealth, but managing it requires a much different skill set. Learning how to delegate is important. By recognizing your limitations and leveraging the expertise of others, you can maximize the potential of your hard-earned money. This will ultimately reduce your stress, improve your overall financial success, and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
3. Skeptic
money? No, it’s for fat cats and money grabbers. Skeptics’ mistrust can impede economic progress. They are often torn between believing they don’t deserve wealth and panicking at the thought of pursuing it. result? They keep repeating behaviors that make them feel financially insecure.
My best money advice for 2026
Writing down all your positive qualities will help you understand that your worth is not tied to your bank account. Surround yourself with financially successful people, as well as kind and generous people, to change the way you look at money. Witnessing how wealth is used for good may help break down the assumption that wealth inherently breeds greed.
4. High Roller
High rollers are alive now! Something flashy lights them up. Do you want to save for the future? There aren’t that many. Emotions can lead to impulsive purchases, and it’s easy to forget how to spend your money, which can result in racking up debt. This constant pursuit of pleasure can leave high rollers feeling empty inside.
My best money advice for 2026
Exploring how to deal with emotions such as boredom and anxiety can reduce impulse purchases. Using budgeting apps, spending trackers, and having thoughtful conversations about the relationship between self-esteem and material possessions can help you become more self-aware about your spending habits. Moving to a cash-only system can also be a powerful tool to limit your ability to rely on credit cards when you feel like splurging.
5. Penny Pincher
Penny pinchers save forever, no matter how much money they have in the bank. They are disciplined and resourceful when it comes to spending money (which is a good thing!) and often feel guilty after making a purchase, even if it’s a necessity. Generally, they hate debt and risk and are afraid of losing everything. Therefore, you may miss out on opportunities to effectively increase your wealth or benefit from valuable experience.
My best money advice for 2026
Learning the basics of investing allows penny pinchers to take calculated risks. Whether it’s taking a dream vacation or planning a fun night out with friends, setting specific spending goals can help you shift your focus from what you might lose to what you can gain and experience for your money. This approach can build confidence and create a more balanced perspective.
6. Avoider
Avoidant people don’t want to think about money, much less talk about it. They usually have no idea where they stand financially. And frankly, most people don’t know where to start. But the more you avoid your situation, the more anxious you become.
My best money advice for 2026
Even the smallest actions can cause change. By dedicating just 10 minutes each week to checking your account balances, checking your spending, and asking for help, you can reduce stress and cope with your finances. Additionally, seek out resources like online articles, podcasts, and financial literacy classes to help you take practical steps to improve your financial health.
please remember
These are not intended to be reductive labels, but rather a lens through which to build awareness of your current habits. Remember:
These are not strict categories. Your behavior with money can change over time as life experiences form new financial habits. Growth is always possible. Once you recognize your tendencies, you can intentionally make changes and develop healthier behaviors. It is common for more than one type to apply. It is common for people to exhibit characteristics of more than one personality type.
And of course, you can also seek financial advice tailored to your specific needs.
Steph Wagner is a nationally recognized thought leader on women’s wealth and economic empowerment and serves as Northern Trust’s National Director of Women and Wealth. She is the author of “Fly! A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love.” For more information, visit stephlwagner.com.
Want to give your kids the ultimate advantage? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course, “How to Raise Financially Smart Kids.” Learn how to build healthy financial habits now to set your kids up for greater success in the future.
