What Your Money Habits Reveal About Your Personality
There are four things you can do with money: earn it, spend it, give it, or save it. Sounds simple, but it’s not. How you approach each one isn’t just about income, goals, or financial literacy, it’s about personality.
After three decades of helping people understand themselves through the lens of personality, I’ve seen patterns show up in money habits. Your dominant style influences whether you lean toward earning, spending, giving, or saving.
People with the Eagle personality style are competitive, ambitious, and driven to succeed. For them, money symbolizes achievement. They’re not just working hard, they’re aiming high, chasing promotions, starting businesses, and taking bold investment risks. When Eagle energy is in control, you’re building and winning. But if you never take a moment to enjoy the view, you risk ending up with a full bank account and an empty sense of fulfillment.
Parrots view money as a way to gain freedom and happiness. They spend on experiences like spontaneous trips, front-row concert tickets, or treating friends to dinner just because. When Parrot energy takes over, spending feels thrilling and life-affirming. But without balance, it can lead to overspending or growing debt.
Doves are caring and loyal, often using money to support family, help friends, and donate to causes they believe in. Giving feels meaningful when Dove energy guides you. However, unlimited generosity without limits can cause you to ignore your own needs and future stability.
Owls see money as a form of security. They plan, budget, and prepare for the future with careful detail. Saving money comes naturally to them. When Owl energy dominates, you’re ready for what’s ahead. However, focusing only on saving might cause you to miss chances to enjoy life today.
We all have all four styles within us. The Eagle urges you grow your wealth. The Parrot inspires you to enjoy it. The Dove encourages you to share it. The Owl helps you protect it. The trouble starts when one style takes control. Earning without spending, saving, or giving turns money into a scoreboard. Spending without earning or saving creates instability. Giving without limits drains your resources. Saving without living leaves you with security but little joy.
Money isn’t just a resource, it’s a mirror. It reflects your values, priorities, and default patterns. The more you understand your personality style, the more intentionally you can choose when to earn, spend, give, and save.
True wealth isn’t about how much you have. It’s about how well you use it to live a full, balanced, and aligned life.
About the Author
Merrick Rosenberg is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You, The Chameleon, and many other books for adults, students, and kids. He is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality approach. As an award-winning speaker and President of Take Flight Learning, Merrick teaches people how to understand themselves and others through the lens of personality, because when you know your style, you unlock your path.
