Quiz 33
Am I a Spender or a Saver?
Talking about saving money is one of our favorite pastimes. There is no shortage of talk-show segments, books, magazines, and newspaper articles on the subject. But ads that encourage us to part with our money and keep on buying more and more things are ubiquitous. Which way do you tilt? Do you want to pinch every penny—or pitch every penny? Take this quiz and find out.
Take the Test
For each of the following statements, indicate the letter of the statement with which you agree:
1. When I go to the grocery store, I …
a. Always shop from a list.
b. Sometimes have a list, but don’t always stick to it.
c. Buy what I’m hungry for and what looks good.
2. When I get coins as change, I …
a. Save them up and cash them in.
b. Give them to my kids or leave them as a tip.
c. Leave them in the “take-a-penny” tray.
3. When I clip grocery coupons …
a. I make sure to use them on double-coupon day.
b. I forget I have them and let them expire.
c. That means Hades will freeze over.
4. If I had to spend some mad money …
a. I’d get mad.
b. I’d spend it on my house or kids.
c. I’d spend it on myself.
5. I will buy a generic brand of food …
a. Whenever I can.
b. On occasion.
c. When dogs say “meow” and cats say “woof.”
6. I like to pay my bills …
a. On time, but not early—I hang on to my pennies until I have to part with them.
b. By direct debit so I don’t have to worry about them.
c. Not! I’d rather ignore them and buy more stuff.
7. I can tell you how much money is in my checking account …
a. Within $50.
b. Within $500.
c. But I’d be lying.
8. If my 10-year-old dishwasher broke …
a. I’d try to repair it myself.
b. I’d call a repairman.
c. I’d use it as a reason to get a new dishwasher.
9. I have a household budget …
a. And stick to it faithfully.
b. But, you know, stuff happens.
c. Yeah, and I have a unicorn, too.
10. Excluding fast-food restaurants, I dine out …
a. Less than once a month.
b. Once a week or so.
c. Whenever I can.
11. When I go window shopping, I …
a. Typically buy nothing.
b. Typically buy something.
c. Buy everything but the window.
12. I consider anyone who would pay $5 for a latte …
a. Mentally unstable.
b. Deserving of an occasional treat.
c. My best friend.
13. Before buying big-ticket items …
a. I do extensive research.
b. I ask my friends what they purchased.
c. I up my credit card limit.
14. When I plan a vacation …
a. I fret about the money I’m spending.
b. I hunt for some airfare and hotel bargains.
c. I splurge—Hey, it’s a vacation!
15. When I think about retirement …
a. I know exactly how much money I will need.
b. I am a little fuzzy on how much I’ll need.
c. I laugh, or cry.
Scoring and Explanation
Tally your total number of “A” responses, “B” responses, and “C” responses:
• A majority of “A” responses indicates that you are a saver. You are going to be well prepared for that proverbial rainy day, all right. In many ways, your behavior is admirable. You are prudent and pragmatic—not given to financial whimsy and impulse. But do pay attention to whether your preoccupation with saving is depriving you of the ability to have some fun. Even savers deserve to treat themselves now and then.
• A majority of “B” responses indicates that you are a mix. You spend a little; you save a bit. This is the most typical set of responses in our society, where most of us are apt to splurge at least now and again. It’s okay to do so—if you have the means and if you are also squirreling something away. Could you use a financial tune-up? Sure. Most of us could. Try tracking your spending to see if you can tighten your belt a wee bit without feeling overly deprived.
• A majority of “C” responses indicates you are a spender. You are good to yourself in material ways, and you have a “can’t be bothered” attitude about even simple cost-saving strategies. Although you are a restaurateur’s and a retailer’s dream, you could be your own worst nightmare. It’s time to take yourself in hand—and take your hands out of your pockets.
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