We all are focused on the Middle East. The world seems to get more hostile and threatening every day. No matter what news broadcast you tune into; no matter what newspaper your read; no matter what magazine you pick up… everything looks bad and it get’s more difficult for people to remain optimistic and hopeful. But life goes on… as it has for generations.

My conversations with my clients gave me pause to think about how different we all are… while all having that common goal: making money and making it grow. There are those that simply don’t know how to manage their funds and make it and lose it many times throughout their life; There are those who take risks with money everyday, in order to make it grow; There are those that money just isn’t that important to them, and they prefer to give theirs away and help those less fortunate; There are those that are so cautious and avoid taking any kind of risks at all and think the best place for their money is in a savings account…just like their folks did...

Together, we make up the Spenders and the Builders and the Givers and the Savers. Which one are you? Your attitude about money, taken to extremes can have a profound impact on your dreams, for good or bad. This is especially so, if your partner is the opposite of you with regard to their attitude toward money.

THE SPENDER loves money for the things it buys them. They prefer to have something concrete and tangible like cars or trendy electronics over having something as abstract as savings. They enjoy having the newest “toys” and are often the envy of their friends… you know, like the Joneses.

They can get into trouble when they spend everything they have – or more! This category of people has the most difficult time saving money. A spender who doesn’t pay off the monthly credit card debt, for example, may be on a slippery slope toward bankruptcy

Tip: Each month take out your allotted savings and expense money immediately. The rest is yours to spend as you wish.

THE BUILDER sees money as a tool. They use it, and sometimes risk it, to turn their dreams into reality. Builders receive joy from the creative process involved in their projects and may even work at mindless jobs just to have the resources to build their dreams. They probably dream at work!

Most entrepreneurs and corporate leaders are builders and make excellent mentors because of their creative endeavors. However, they are prone to miscalculating the funds and risks that are involved in their projects and neglect to leave themselves a margin of error just in case.

Tip: Developing a portfolio is a building activity. Once Builders get interested in using their creativity here, they’re on the escalator!

Thank God for THE GIVER! Society could not get along without them, as they make up the volunteers, charity donors, and do-gooders of the world. They buy extravagant gifts for friends that they would never purchase for themselves, and deny their own wants so they can give to others. Givers put their time, money and energy into what they believe in. some givers view having money as a bad thing, therefore the only proper thing to do with it is give it away. They also find pleasure in making other people happy or in doing good.

Givers tend to get in trouble because they may ignore their own needs. They also may hurt their children by not teaching them how to take care of money.

Tip: If you can take care of yourself first, you will be better suited to take care of others.

SAVERS are lifesavers. Without them, who would the rest of the world borrow from? Savers create a fortune in the bank very quickly, while still having a comfortable life, sometimes even on a tight salary. Savers are great at spotting money-wasting activities and avoiding them without thinking twice.

These types are organized and not impulsive buyers. They do not like risk and require a cushion of savings for their own peace of mind. But they can be too conservative and often avoid investments that could actually make their money grow! They also postpone enjoying their money for so long that it is soon too late.

Tip: Determine how much savings is “enough” to meet security needs while still allowing you to actually enjoy life along the way.

Here’s an attitude quiz that will help you determine if you are a Spender, a Saver, a Builder or a Giver.

1. A. Shopping is my favorite sport

   B. I shop when I need something

   C. Shopping can be fun sometimes, especially if I am shopping for other people

   D. Shopping is torture

A. Credit cards allow me to have what I want without worrying if I can afford it

B. If I can’t afford something but it’s an investment, why not use credits cards?

C. I give my kids credit cards to teach them the value of money

D. Credit cards are a good way to build up a credit rating and a handy alternative to carrying cash

3. When I go out to dinner with friends:

   1. We check out the latest hot restaurant and we split the bill evenly

   2. Sometimes I pay; sometimes they pay

   3. I usually fight for the check

   4. We ask for separate checks

4. If I see something I like:

   1. I buy it

   2. I buy it if it fits my financial strategy

   3. I get one for me and one for somebody else if it’s a good deal

   4. I usually talk myself out of buying it
      

5. If I won a big lottery, I would:

   1. Never have to think about money again

   2. Use it to create something important…like more money

   3. Spend a lot of it on friends, family and charities

   4. Make sure my family was well taken care of, pay off the mortgage, live on the interest
      

6. If I don’t have any money in the bank, I:

   1. Use my credit cards and line of credit – isn’t that why I have them?

   2. Use credit to leverage opportunities to overcome my cash problem

   3. Worry that I won’t be able to fulfill people’s expectations of me

   4. Get anxiety attacks
      

7. 1. I don’t always know where my money goes

   2. I always know how much money I have but I never let that get in the way of a good idea

   3. Most of my money is allocated to my family, charity or trying to make a difference

   4. I keep very close track of all my bank accounts and investments

8. I love to use my money to:

   1. Enjoy life to the fullest

   2. Follow my interests and stretch myself

   3. Make other people happy

   4. Build up a nest egg

9. When I go shopping for something I need, I:

   1. Usually come home with a few extras

   2. Find it, buy it and go home

   3. Look around to se if there is anything I can buy for anyone else while I am out

   4. Shop around to make sure I am getting the best price

10. When I give to charity, I:

    1. Give to the ones that appeal to my heart

    2. Choose charities that most closely match my aims and beliefs

    3. Give as much as I can because others need it more than I do

    4. Allocate a specific amount to the charities of my choice
       

11. When it comes to automobiles:

    1. It’s important to get a new car every three years

    2. If you buy the right car, it’s a good investment

    3. It’s an incredible time saver if everyone in the family has their own car

    4. I really take good care of my car to make it last
       

12. When somebody has a new car, I ask:

    1. Did it come with all the options?

    2. What kind of car is it?

    3. Are you happy with it?

    4. How did it rate in Consumer Report
       

13. How do I allocate my retirement account?

    1. What retirement account??!?!!

    2. My home / business / hobby is my retirement plan

    3. My financial advisor takes care of all that... so I have no idea

    4. Carefully… very carefully
       

14. When I go on vacation, I like to:

    1. Pamper myself

    2. Get some business use out of the trip

    3. Take lots of friends or family with me

    4. See how cheaply I can do it and still have fun

How did you score? What does money mean to you? It’s helpful to know because any of these attitudes taken to extremes can sabotage your dreams.

Let’s add up the A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s. The category in which you have the highest score is your type. You probably won’t be one type exclusively, but one attitude will probably prevail. If your top two choices are about equal, you are a combination of the two types.

This attitude quiz is designed to give you a better idea of how and why you spend money. If you picked mostly:

A’s: You are a Spender

B’s: You are a Builder

C’s: You are a Giver

D’s: You are a Saver

Here’s the bottom line: Money is really just a tool. We are the ones who give it so much emotional power. We would all be better off if we realized there is always more money to be earned and cultivated to fit our needs. We shouldn’t allow the dramas we create around financial matters to ruin our relationships and outlooks on life.

Happiness and health mean so much more than money…always remember that. But then again, I had a client years ago that I was building a million dollar home for who advised me that money wasn’t everything…but it ranks up there with air and water!