The Enneagram Knows Your Money Personality, and It Can Help You Set Financial Goals That Stick

Ever wondered how your friend can splurge on designer shoes, even though you know they’re strapped for cash? Or maybe you’re the serial spender, and you’re trying to figure out why your co-workers always seem to have more money than you. 

Here’s a hint: ask them their Enneagram type. 

More than just a self-awareness tool, the Enneagram is surprisingly good at decoding your spending habits. And that means it’s great at helping you set financial goals that stick. 

Are some Enneagram types just good with money?

According to Khara Crosswaite Brindle, Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Financial Therapist, the answer is an easy yes.

“The Enneagram helps us find awareness and language for our strengths and challenges, which can easily apply to money behaviors and how we set financial goals,” she says. 

“Some Enneagram types are more successful at financial planning because they are motivated to have control, such as Enneagram Ones, Fives and Eights. In contrast, other types may struggle with avoidance, fear and dread about money, such as Enneagram Twos, Sixes, and Nines.”

Regardless of whether you’re a compulsively money-saving One or a Nine that’s visited their overdraft one too many times, all Enneagram types can benefit from understanding their psychological relationship with money—especially in the current climate. 

Research from Experian shows that over two-thirds of adults experience stress and anxiety around money. For Millenials, that number rises to 77 percent. 

Whether it’s anxiously saving for a rainy day that might never come, or dreading your credit card bill each month, constantly fretting about money isn’t good for mental health. Thankfully, you can use your Enneagram type to set sensible goals and develop a better relationship with your money.

Here’s how. 

Enneagram Ones: Add flexibility to your compulsive saving

We surveyed 58,000 people to learn about their spending style and found that, when it comes to saving, Ones come out on top. They’re the most likely type to say they save what they earn. 

Dutiful to their core, their primary worry is having enough money for future goals like retirement or their kids’ college. They want to be responsible with their finances—but their extreme future focus can also trip them up. 

“For Type One's, the core belief is ‘I’m good and okay if I’m right and do the right thing.’ They may fixate on there being “one way” and a “right way” to manage money, which can add stress because of rigidity,” Crosswaite Brindle says.

To help ease these worries, Crosswaite Brindle advises Ones to embrace a little flexibility, such as “trying a new budgeting tool or diversifying their portfolio, rather than staying stubbornly stuck in a pattern that doesn’t serve them.”

Enneagram Twos: Budget for yourself, not just others

In Truity’s research, empathetic Twos were the second least of all types to say money is important to them.

They are amongst the most likely types to spend what they earn each month, and their giving nature can lead them to overspend on gifts and keepsakes for their friends and family. 

While Twos will always be keen to serve others, Crosswaite Brindle says they should also make an effort to spend some of their money looking after themselves. She recommends “creating a savings account or envelope for their own interests. This keeps things in balance with their desire to give money to be helpful to others.”

Enneagram Threes: Untie your self-worth from your net worth

It’s no surprise that success-driven Threes are highly motivated by money. These types rank among the highest earners, with 7% making over $150,000 a year and another 8% making over $100,000 per year, according to Truity’s research. 

But even though they take home a comfortable salary, tenacious Threes aren’t immune from money worries. That’s because they tie their self-worth to their net worth. 

To balance out these fixations and build a healthier relationship with money, Crosswaite Brindle suggests Threes treat themselves every once in a while. It’s important for them to spend on items and experiences that bring them true happiness, not just elevate their sense of status. 

Enneagram Fours: Practice mindfulness to curb your impulses

Fours are defined by their creativity, intuition and compassion. These unique souls are largely indifferent to money. Yet, intriguingly, they are among the highest spenders in Truity’s research.  

“Fours may be more guided by their emotions, spending on things that appeal to them instead of budgeting or being disciplined,” explains Molly Owens, CEO of Truity.

To combat impulse spending, Crosswaite Brindle says Fours should set a goal to become more mindful when they feel the urge to buy something new. “Engaging in mindfulness about what’s happening before, during and after spending helps develop increased insight,” she says. 

“Are they more likely to spend when stressed? Sad? Hurt? Lonely? Rejected? Are they attempting to fill an unmet need with the dopamine chase of spending? Having self-compassion is part of the money journey for impulse spenders.” 

Type Fives: Pace yourself 

Like Ones, self-sufficient Fives are one of the most likely types to stress about money. They often seek mastery over it, which can cause unnecessary worry.

“Enneagram Five’s have a core belief of ‘I’m good and okay if I know and have mastered something,’” shares Crosswaite Brindle. “If they set their sights on being an expert at money, this can add additional stress, since the money market is always changing.”

She goes on to cite examples of Fives attempting to play the stock market or approaching building wealth as a one-off formula, which can easily backfire.

“They would benefit more from embracing money as an ongoing educational journey, investing time and energy into learning all about it over their lifetime,” she advises. 

Type Sixes:  Spend some of what you’ve worked so hard to save

“Enneagram Six often lives in anxiety, which translates to dread and worry about money,” Crosswaite Brindle says. “Their core belief is ‘I’m good and okay if I’m responsible and do what’s expected of me.’” 

This way of thinking can often lead to excessive saving, with little room for fun and enjoyment. 

“Their focus is often to tackle debt, avoid debt, and save as much as they can,” she shares, noting that Sixes often live in fear of a proverbial rainy day. 

All this anxiety isn’t good for the Six’s mental health. Crosswaite Brindle’s recommends a reasonable savings plan, plus a sprinkle of “intentional and lighthearted spending on occasion to keep things in balance.”

Enneagram Sevens: Saving a regular amount each month

As the adventurers of the Enneagram, it’s only natural that Sevens feel happiest when they spend their money on experience-led purchases like travel and events. But this also means they’re amongst the most likely types to spend what they earn, according to our research. 

“Sevens are a little more impulsive,” notes Owens. “They see a purchase they know can bring them happiness or fun, and feel FOMO if they don’t get it.” 

While the Seven’s spending habits certainly make their life more colorful and enjoyable, it would  help them to think about the big picture so they don’t end up in a sticky situation later down the line. 

For this type, Crosswaite Brindle advises putting an allotted amount of money away each month—for retirement, an emergency fund or ideally both!  

Enneagram Eights: Let others have say in your family’s financial future

Eights like to feel in control, and achieving financial security plays a huge role in this. 

As Truity’s research shows, Eights are highly motivated by money and are amongst the highest average earners in the Enneagram.

However, as Crosswaite Brindle has found in her therapy practice, the Eight’s need for control can often lead to “financial gatekeeping.” This is where they refuse to let their partner or family members have any say in financial matters, which isn’t exactly healthy.  

To develop a better relationship with money, she says that, “having a shared financial goal with a partner, spouse or family member is a growth opportunity.” 

Enneagram Nines:

Harmony-focused Nines are the least likely of the types to say money is “very important.” 

"Laid-back Nines may see money as just a means to an end, motivated to have just enough of it to keep life on an even keel," explains Owens. 

However, this peace-loving type may shoot themselves in the foot by going with the flow when it comes to financial decisions. They skate along with what they’ve always done, instead of stating what they really want or need. 

To remedy this, Crosswaite Brindle recommends Nines make it their goal to “talk about money, even when it’s uncomfortable. Learn to speak your truth, including setting money goals that align with your values rather than “going along to get along.”