How Enneagram Influences Personal Finance

The Enneagram is a personality test that has gained much popularity in recent years. According to the Enneagram, there are nine unique personality types, each possessing their own core motivations. Knowing your enneagram type can help you better understand why you make certain decisions, whether financially or in general. Below are the enneagram types and their typical financial behaviors.
Type 1: The Reformer
Ones are rational, self-controlled, and well organized. They love having control over their finances. Therefore, they thrive on making and maintaining budgets. When financial difficulties or blunders occur, they tend to be hard on themselves.
Type 2: The Helper
Twos are known for being caring and relationship oriented. Because they desire to be appreciated, twos typically have a tendency to give generously to those around them. A danger for some twos is to be generous in a way that is ultimately harmful to their own financial or emotional well-being by creating dependencies for those around them. Twos can avoid giving from an unhealthy emotional or financial place by building their generosity into their budget. This would allow them to support causes from a place of financial freedom instead of an emotional whim.
Type 3: The Achiever
Individuals who identify as type threes are driven by goals. They find satisfaction in meeting the goals set before them. Because some want their successes to be known, threes may spend extra on things that increase their status.
Type 4: The Individualist
Fours aim to express themselves in unique ways. Many do not like being confined to a budget so they fail to make one for themselves. However, budgets can be beneficial, as they make your priorities clear and allow you to maximize your money.
Type 5: The Investigator
Of all Enneagram types, fives tend to be the most analytical. Because of this, many fives find that budgeting comes naturally to them. However, they sometimes place so much emphasis on saving, that they let it control their life.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Sixes value security and stability. Therefore, they find great value in saving their money for future needs. Many sixes struggle with spending money on unnecessary goods. While this may seem like a positive, it is important for people to celebrate God’s generosity by enjoying his provision on occasion.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Type sevens are known for their spontaneity, which means they sometimes fall victim to impulse buying. While spending is not inherently harmful, it is important to only spend what one is capable of affording. Waiting twenty-four hours before making a substantial purchase can limit impulse buys and the regret that sometimes comes with it.
Type 8: The Challenger
Type eights are confident in their decision making. They know what they want and go after it. In some cases, they may ignore wise council in pursuit of their own ideas and desires. It is crucial for people for analyze their finances and know when a different approach is necessary.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Nines are known for being trusting and stable. They tend to be conflict avoiders, which means they can be uncomfortable making big financial decisions. Rather than go with other’s opinions, nines should use their finances in a way that aligns with their priorities and goals.
Although the Enneagram may not accurately assess every individual, it is a tool that can help people become more aware of their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and tendencies. By keeping these characteristics in mind, you can create financial tasks and goals that are achievable.
References:
https://dollarsprout.com/enneagram-spending-habits/
https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-does-enneagram-affect-money