If you want to become more financially secure, the first step is simple: Know thyself. Instead of setting lofty, broad-budget strategies, opt for aspirations that are catered to who you are right now.
Maybe last year, you resolved to pay down debt. Maybe four years ago, you declared that your summer goal was to save more money. If your budget goals tend to fizzle out before completion, it’s not necessarily because you’re bad at budgeting. You might just be using the wrong approach for your personality.
How to Set a Personality-Based Budget Strategy
Follow these steps to set a money-saving, debt-demolishing goal based on your habits and outlook:
1. Determine your personality type by taking a Myers-Briggs personality assessment.
2. Decide on your financial goals. Do you want to save for something big (like a trip, college, a car, or a down payment on a house), build a nest egg, rebuild your credit, or pay down debt?
3. Choose a budget strategy from our list that matches your personality type—and remember: You don’t have to lock yourself into a savings plan that adheres to your personality. These ideas are designed to spark curiosity, boost your confidence, and build a stronger connection between you and your financial goals.
The Basic Personality Types
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an internet-famous (and widely used) psychological tool designed to assess and categorize people into specific personality types based on their preferences. If you take a Myers-Briggs personality test, you’ll be asked questions about four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion (E/I), sensing vs. intuition (S/I), thinking vs. feeling (T/F), and judging vs. perceiving (J/P). There are 16 possible personality types, each representing a unique combination of these preferences. Those 16 MBTI personalities are sorted into four main categories based on shared characteristics and behavioral tendencies.
- Sentinels (S). Sentinels are practical and focused on order, security, and stability. They include Myers-Briggs types ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESTJ (Director), and ESFJ (Caregiver)
- Diplomats (NF). Diplomats are empathetic and value cooperation, seeking harmony and understanding. This group comprises Myers-Briggs types INFJ (Advocate), INFP (Mediator), ENFJ (Giver), and ENFP (Champion).
- Analysts (NT). Analysts are logical and objective, driven by curiosity and a desire for knowledge. Myers-Briggs types INTJ (Inspector), INTP (Thinker/Architect), ENTJ (Commander), and ENTP (Debater/Inventor) fall into this category.
- Explorers (SP). Explorers are spontaneous and adaptable, enjoying the present moment and seeking new experiences. This group includes Myers-Briggs types ISTP (Craftsman), ISFP (Composer), ESTP (Dynamo), and ESFP (Performer).
The MBTI gained popularity for providing insight into how we interact with the world. It also became a metric for categorizing how we make decisions—both at work and in personal relationships. The MBTI is, of course, not without its critics and should be approached with a degree of skepticism. Still, many people find it a valuable tool for self-discovery, team building, and personal development.
Budget Strategies for Sentinels
1. ISTJ (Logistician)
ISTJ Money Habits: ISTJs are nest egg-builders who see money as an essential commodity. They tend to be cautious about money and are known for their practicality and attention to detail. They pay their bills on time and beat themselves up for financial mistakes. However, ISTJs are not averse to investing in quality. That means they’ll occasionally drop a large sum on a high-quality sweater (and then wear it until it’s threadbare). They value stability and security and often prefer tried-and-tested methods for managing their finances.
- ISTJ Budget Strategy: The “Budget Tracker” Challenge: If you are an ISTJ, you thrive on organization and detail-oriented tasks. For this challenge, commit to tracking all your monthly expenses using a budgeting app or spreadsheet. At the month’s end, review your spending patterns to identify areas where you can cut back or optimize your budget.
2. ISFJ (Protector/Defender)
ISFJ Money Habits: ISFJs are loyal, reliable, and responsible individuals who prioritize the well-being of their loved ones over their own. They are patient money managers and creatures of habit. ISFJ spending and saving habits focus on creating a safety net for themselves and their families. For this reason, ISFJs are often practical workers who set attainable financial goals—and meet them. In fact, it would be outside the comfort zone of an ISFJ to seek out new and more aggressive ways to build a long-term savings and retirement fund.
- ISFJ Budget Strategy: The “Emergency Fund” Challenge: If you are an ISFJ, prioritize building an emergency fund. Challenge yourself to set aside a specific amount of money each week (or month) into a dedicated emergency savings account. If necessary, set up an automatic deposit—because you know you love a routine. The goal is to save enough to cover at least three to six months of living expenses.
3. ESTJ (Director/Executive)
ESTJ Money Habits: ESTJs are organized and efficient individuals who excel in managing practical tasks and leading others. ESTJs value wealth and enjoy watching their bank balances grow—sometimes to a fault. ESTJs work well with a structured plan that has specific goals and timelines. That said, they are not afraid to take calculated risks—as long as it brings in more cash.
- ESTJ Budget Strategy: The “Budget Efficiency” Challenge: If you are an ESTJ, you excel in organization and efficiency. For this challenge, optimize your budget to eliminate waste and maximize savings. Challenge yourself to review your expenses, negotiate better deals on recurring bills, and identify areas where you can trim unnecessary costs.
4. ESFJ (Caregiver/Consul)
ESFJ Money Habits: ESFJs are warm, caring individuals who value harmony and stability in their relationships and environments. Unsurprisingly, they are most capable of being frugal when they need to provide for others. ESFJs may allocate funds for family expenses, home improvements, or community involvement activities, but they are also champions at going without. ESFJs enjoy gift-giving, saving up for family vacations, and buying tasteful, high-end clothing. They benefit from setting aside resources for emergencies and long-term savings goals, balancing present needs with future aspirations.
- ESFJ Budget Strategy: The “Family Finance” Challenge. As an ESFJ, you are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. You also tend to find solutions to problems through connection. For this challenge, collaborate with your family members to improve household finances. Together, challenge yourselves to set financial goals. Create a family budget and implement strategies to save money collectively. By fostering open communication and teamwork, you can achieve greater financial security (and strengthen family bonds).
Budget Strategies for Diplomats
1. INFJ (Advocate/Counselor)
INFJ Money Habits: INFJs are empathetic and insightful individuals. They tend to prioritize meaningful experiences over material possessions. With money, INFJs focus on aligning their financial goals with their values. INFJs are good savers, but they won’t hesitate to give money to charitable causes or loan cash to a family member—even if they can’t afford it. INFJs value personal growth and strive to make a positive impact. They are driven to succeed when their actions are guided by compassion.
- INFJ Budget Strategy: The “Sustainable Spending” Challenge: If you’re an INFJ, you value authenticity and purposeful living. For this challenge, commit to sustainable spending by making conscious purchasing decisions. Challenge yourself to buy from ethical and eco-friendly brands. Reduce unnecessary purchases and invest only in experiences that align with your values.
2. INFP (Mediator/Healer)
INFP Money Habits: INFPs are idealistic, imaginative, and compassionate people. They value personal growth and authenticity—and encourage others to do the same. With money, INFPs tend to align their financial decisions with their values and aspirations. INFPs rarely care about material possessions. They have little desire to conform. They may, however, allocate funds for self-care, education, or pursuing their passions.
- INFP Budget Strategy: The “Mindful Spending” Challenge. As an INFP, you value integrity and personal growth. Challenge yourself to practice mindful spending by being intentional about where your money goes. Track your purchases and evaluate whether each expense aligns with your values and priorities. Eliminate unnecessary expenses that don’t align. By cultivating awareness and making conscious choices, you can save money while staying true to yourself.
3. ENFJ (Giver/Protagonist)
ENFJ Money Habits: ENFJs are charismatic, energetic, and empathetic. They are natural teachers who excel in inspiring and motivating others. Like the other Diplomat personalities, they align their financial decisions with their values and aspirations. ENFJs are optimistic, forward-thinking, and trusting but often struggle with major financial decisions. ENFJs are driven by altruism and compassion for others; so, the value of money is in generosity and enjoying experiences with people they care about.
- ENFJ Budget Strategies: The “Community Contribution” Challenge: If you are an ENFJ, you are likely driven to make a positive impact. For this challenge, focus on giving back to your community. Challenge yourself to volunteer time or skills instead of spending money on expensive activities. Donate to charitable causes instead of dining out. Organize fundraising events to support local initiatives. By combining your passion for helping others with mindful spending, you can make a difference while building a brighter financial future.
4. ENFP (Champion/Campaigner)
ENFP Money Habits: ENFPs are enthusiastic, imaginative, people-centered creators. They are expressive communicators who thrive on exploration and innovation. They are easily bored by a mundane life. ENFPs also tend to be notably carefree about money, opting to view it simply as the vehicle through which they can experience life. ENFPs dislike feeling controlled. They value spontaneity over long-term financial goals and often lack the follow-through to adhere to budgets. That said, ENFPs are easily motivated to earn—if only to accommodate their desire to spend.
- ENFP Budget Strategy: The “Side Hustle” Challenge: As an ENFP, you are an enthusiastic and innovative individual who thrives on exploration. For this challenge, channel your creativity into a side hustle or passion project to generate extra income. Whether it’s freelance writing, crafting handmade goods, or offering consulting services, a side hustle can help you monetize your talents and interests while boosting your savings.
Budget Strategies for Analysts
1. INTJ (Architect/Mastermind)
INTJ Money Habits: INTJs are strategic planners with a penchant for efficiency and innovation. They are goal-focused and rarely spend more than they make. They love analyzing data and optimizing their financial decisions for maximum returns. INTJs excel in utilizing technology and financial tools to track expenses, invest wisely, and identify areas for cost-saving.
- INTJ Budget Strategy: The “Investment Growth” Challenge: As an INTJ, you are a strategic planner who appreciates a return on your investment. Challenge yourself to research and invest in a new financial instrument or strategy that aligns with your long-term goals. Whether it’s stocks, mutual funds, or real estate, the goal is to grow your investment portfolio and track its progress over time.
2. INTP (Thinker/Logician)
INTP Money Habits: INTPs are analytical thinkers who thrive on solving complex problems. When it comes to money, they prefer to optimize their finances through research and careful planning. INTPs are more likely to save for the sake of security than to showcase wealth. They do, however, enjoy experimenting with different investment strategies or financial tools to maximize their returns.
- INTP Budget Strategy: The “Cost-Effective Solutions” Challenge: As an INTP, you enjoy problem-solving. For this challenge, focus on finding cost-effective solutions to everyday challenges. Whether it’s comparing prices, optimizing subscriptions, or finding innovative ways to save on utilities, think outside the box and identify opportunities for savings without sacrificing quality.
3. ENTJ (Commander)
ENTJ Money Habits: ENTJs are strategic, ambitious individuals with a high tolerance for risk. They thrive on setting and achieving challenging goals. With money, ENTJs like to maximize efficiency and leverage opportunities for growth. They equate money to status and don’t wish to squander either. ENTJs tend to allocate funds for business ventures, investments, or educational pursuits that align with their long-term objectives.
- ENTJ Budget Strategy: The “Strategic Investment” Challenge: If you are an ENTJ, you are a tactical thinker and likely excel in setting and achieving ambitious goals. For this challenge, focus on making strategic investments that yield long-term returns. Research opportunities in the stock market, real estate, or business ventures and make calculated decisions to grow your wealth. By leveraging your strategic mindset and risk-taking abilities, you can build wealth and satisfy the desire to “work hard and play hard”.
4. ENTP (Debater/Inventor)
ENTP Money Habits: ENTPs are innovative and curious individuals who love to challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ideas. They dislike being sidled by responsibilities and enjoy being reckless from time to time—even with money. ENTPs fluctuate between strategic decisions and calculated risks but are likely to spend as much as they make. They are, however, strong earners and hard workers. ENTPs have no problem allocating funds for entrepreneurial ventures, investments, or educational pursuits that align with their intellectual curiosity.
- ENTP Budget Strategy: The “Financial Experiment” Challenge: As an ENTP, you eschew “cookie cutter” budget plans. For this challenge, conduct financial experiments. But first, set up a dedicated “bills” account with an automatic deposit large enough to cover all your monthly expenses (including rent, credit card payments, utilities, etc.). Whatever cash is left over is money you can experiment with. Employ your boundless curiosity to test different money-saving strategies or investment techniques. Set specific hypotheses, track outcomes, and analyze results to identify the most effective approaches for optimizing your finances.
Budget Strategies for Explorers
1. ISTP (Virtuoso/Craftsman)
ISTP Money Habits: ISTPs are problem-solvers who enjoy hands-on activities and spontaneity. They tend to be flexible and adaptable, allowing room for unexpected opportunities or challenges. ISTPs may prefer a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on essential expenses. They may, however, see no problem spending money on hobbies or experiences they enjoy. ISTPs are self-directed and practical with a natural ability to master tools and techniques.
- ISTP Budget Strategy: The “DIY” Challenge: If you are an ISTP, you likely enjoy hands-on activities and practical solutions. For this challenge, commit to a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach for certain expenses. Repair household items instead of replacing them. Cook meals at home instead of dining out. If you tackle home improvement projects independently, you can save money by embracing your resourcefulness and mechanical abilities.
2. ISFP (Composer/Adventurer)
ISFP Money Habits: With ISFPs, it’s all about the journey. They are free-spirited individuals who value creativity and authenticity. With finances, they emphasize balance and self-expression. They can prioritize financial stability but will always leave room for spontaneity. If ISFPs have money to spend, it’s likely going to travel, arts, or other experiences that ignite their passion.
- ISFP Budget Strategy: The “Experience Fund” Challenge: If you are an ISFP, you cherish experiences and self-expression. For this challenge, create a dedicated “experience fund” and set aside money specifically for meaningful activities or adventures. Challenge yourself to find creative and budget-friendly ways to enjoy life—such as exploring nature, attending cultural events, or trying new hobbies without overspending.
3. ESTP (Dynamo/Entrepreneur)
ESTP Money Habits: ESTPs are energetic, resourceful risk-takers who aren’t afraid to seize an opportunity. Their budgeting approach tends to be dynamic and goal-oriented—but they are not afraid to drop some cash to make an impression. After, money is made for spending. ESTPs tend to focus on maximizing returns and achieving financial independence. For this reason, they may allocate funds for business ventures, investments, or networking opportunities that align with their entrepreneurial spirit.
- ESTP Budget Strategy: The “Profit Margin” Challenge: As an ESTP, you thrive on seizing opportunities and maximizing returns. For this challenge, focus on increasing your profit margins—in both personal and professional endeavors. Satisfy your inner thrill-seeker by negotiating better deals. If possible, cut unnecessary expenses or find new revenue streams. By optimizing your finances and investments, you can boost your bottom line and build a nest egg (while also living life to its fullest).
4. ESFP (Performer/Entertainer)
ESFP Money Habits: ESFPs are spontaneous and sociable individuals who enjoy living in the moment. They want to enjoy life and seek new experiences—and they are not afraid to spend money on those adventures. ESFPs are driven by emotion, so they are likely to spend their money on entertainment, socializing, or travel. They are better at short-term saving than long-term saving—so they are more likely to have a vacation fund than a retirement plan.
- ESFP Budget Strategy: The “Fun Fund” Challenge: If you are an ESFP, you know you can control your spending; you just don’t want to. For this challenge, create a dedicated “fun fund” and set aside money for entertainment and leisure activities. Beyond that, challenge yourself to find budget-friendly ways to have fun. Explore free local attractions. Host potluck gatherings instead of dining out. Try DIY projects for gifts and decorations.
When it comes to setting a budget, the path to success sometimes involves looking inward instead of outward. The bottom line is, don’t work against yourself. Whether you track expenses, build an emergency fund, or start a side hustle, choose a budget strategy that aligns with your unique strengths and preferences. After all, the more you know yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to make changes.