It's no secret different attitudes to money have been the downfall of many relationships.
But few people realise we all have different money personalities nor how a little understanding about our own characteristics could save a lot of heartache - and money.
According to Sorted - the free website dedicated to helping New Zealanders get ahead financially - its popular new 'Money Personality' quiz shows we have up to 16 different money personalities, ranging from 'Hedonist' (comes with challenges) to 'Money Maestro' (maybe not quite as good as it sounds) and 'Adviser Speculator'.
Glenn Martin, group manager, marketing and communications for the Commission for Financial Capability, says the quiz was developed in consultation with a clinical psychologist and is "a thought-provoking conversation starter".
"Few people realise there are so many different money personalities. We are all different, of course, but there are some common threads that decide which money personality we fall into - and, apart from just being fun to do, it can be a financially rewarding thing for a person to reflect on."
It's also good for the situation where, as a couple, one partner is a keen saver and money manager while the other is, ahem, not a stranger to spending. This can lead, as many know, to sparks flying in a relationship and Martin says the quiz, done as a couple, is a good way of broaching the subject and discussing behaviours without the usual, accompanying argument.
It takes just a few minutes to answer the 25 questions. They include queries like:
When purchasing a new item like a household appliance, are you more likely to:
• Decide on one shop and choose pretty quickly from there?
• Or wait, research the market and shop around
And
Besides necessities like, food clothing and shelter, do you spend most of your cash on
• Going out with friends, looking good and having fun
• Or books, movies and/or other specialist pursuits
Everyday questions are mixed with financial philosophy queries and an overall picture of your inner money man or woman emerges.
I was classified as a 'Sensible Drifter' - easy-going, realistic, adaptable, idealistic, sensible and flexible when it comes to money.
But before I can preen with pride, the summary goes on to tell me my attitude means my spending can be scattered and spontaneous rather than goal-oriented (true enough) and I like to live in the present and enjoy the simple things money can buy (also true). It says I don't like outward displays of wealth and often put others' needs, often family, in front of my own.
All true - and perhaps not the best profile for a canny run-up towards eventual retirement.
And that's the serious business behind the light-hearted quiz; the science is similar to psychometric tests many employers use with prospective employees. It is designed to help people realise their own money profile - and lead them to other tools on the Sorted menu to help people save, manage their debt and plan for the future.
Martin says: "Once you know what sort of person you are, money-wise, it's easier to think about the impact on longer term aspirations.
"For example, wanting to go on an overseas trip or buying a house can remain an elusive want unless we think about our money personality and behaviours that need to be shaped to achieve those wants."
The tools on Sorted.org.nz help people put their choices and behaviours in context, he says, and it's all about understanding the value of the changes we can all make.
"It's about seeing the impact of speeding up the repayment of debt, or if we are 18, just how much more our KiwiSaver balances could be if we upped our contributions from 3 per cent to 4 per cent or 8 per cent. The numbers are big - $100,000 big or more.
"It's so easy to follow a pattern consistent with your money personality but there's value in developing another personality that gets you what you really want." - Paul Lewis
This is the third in a series presented with the CFFC. For more information on tackling your debt, sorting your money and seeing your future, go to the new Sorted website www.sorted.org.nz