The Ostrich
Core Trait: Avoidance is the best policy
Strengths: Less daily stress about money, not obsessed with money
Challenges: Problems can soon pile up if left unaddressed, missed opportunities, relationship risks.
Growth Opportunity: Create simple systems and habits that make financial awareness less painful
The Peacock
Core Trait: Appearance is everything
Strengths: Understands the emotional aspects of money but prefers to live for today
Challenges: Likely to sacrifice future security to enjoy more of today, especially if it boost status
Growth Opportunity: Being more mindful about the opportunity costs of spending and borrowing to maintain lifestyle; learn to develop and adopt authentic personal values rather than seek external validation.
The Turtle
Core Trait: Caution keeps me safe
Strengths: Rarely makes costly financial mistakes, tends to be a disciplined saver
Challenges: May miss growth opportunities and be at risk of financial shortfall versus current lifestyle in retirement years
Growth Opportunity: Start by taking small calculated risks to align with long term goals, and start shifting excess savings to appropriate financial investments.
The Squirrel
Core Trait: save, save, save
Strengths: Disciplined savings habits and always seeking way of saving more
Challenges: Money related anxiety even when things are going well; difficulty enjoying the benefits of money and may sacrifice current joy for more in the bank
Growth Opportunity: Defining “enough” and taking small steps to allow self to spend money and seek joy in the present.
The Owl
Core Trait: Analysis. analysis, analysis
Strengths: Makes informed financial decisions, typically well prepared to achieve long term financial goals
Challenges: May overthink decisions and get lost in detail / analysis paralysis risk
Growth Opportunity: Build skills in balancing research with timely action
The Monkey
Core Trait: there’s always something more interesting
Strengths: Enthusiastic and adaptable to new financial tools and ideas;
Challenges: Usually lacks consistency and likely to be distracted by the next big shiny thing
Growth Opportunity: Slow down the excitement and learn to evaluate new ideas before implementing them. Maker sure baseline habits on savings and managing cashflow and needs are in place.