So many of us are fans of the Enneagram because it explores the possibilities of connecting and relating to others. It also helps us understand our edges and think about ways of growing and adapting. So why not explore how the Enneagram connects to money beliefs and money behaviors within the scope of Financial Therapy? Of course these are considered generalizations based on what I’ve seen in my therapy practice, so they shouldn’t be seen as one-size-fits-all. The intention behind this blog is to get each of us thinking about our Enneagram edges as they relate to money, in order to begin crafting our healthiest relationship with money! I welcome your thoughts as you take a deeper dive into each of the nine types below.
Type 1 Perfectionist: There's only one right way to save money.
Potential Problem: Rigidity and commitment to money decisions may lead to poor outcomes.
Could Enneagram Type 1s be more likely to experience sunk-cost fallacy, which is the phenomenon of being reluctant to abandon or change a money decision because of a diligence and commitment to the decision, even when ending it might be in their best interest? The rigidity of embracing only one way to manage money could present problems of poor investments, a lack of a diverse portfolio, or problems pivoting when money needs to be spent in ways that weren’t the original plan.
Type 2 Helper: I must give others money to be helpful
Potential Problem: Encourages financial dependence in others.
Enneagram Type 2s have a need to be needed. Supporting loved ones, strangers, or even nonprofit causes can reinforce their desire to be financially supportive and thus valuable to others. Their generosity could become a target for manipulation or dependence from others because of their willingness to follow through when helping others in need. They may struggle with saving for their own futures while wanting to help others with theirs.
Type 3 Achiever: I must make more money to be seen as successful.
Potential Problem: Workaholism. Limited joy in money. Feelings that money controls them.
Enneagram 3s may have a difficult time separating their self-worth from their net worth. Their success is measured by what they do and by what they accomplish, so making more money would mean they were more successful in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. This belief encourages workaholism, poor boundaries, and a hustle-mentality. They can also struggle to find joy in money due to their focus on making more of it, with a common belief of feeling controlled by money in their rumination on how much they are making, by what means, and how often.
Type 4 Individualist: Money is bad/corrupt/capitalism.
Potential Problem: Underearner, struggle with meeting money goals, poverty
Our Enneagram 4s tend to be feelers and creatives. They enjoy deeper conversations, which can include conversations about how money hurts or helps others. Prior to doing their own money work, they may believe that money is bad or corrupt, which can lead to a conscious or subconscious rejection of money, resulting in underearning due to not wanting to hold onto money. Once they do their own money work, 4s may experience a healthy shift from “money is bad” to “money is a tool” or some other neutral belief that changes their relationship with money for the better.
Type 5 Investigator: I must master money and how to invest it.
Potential Problem: Missing understanding of emotional components to money in self and others.
Enneagram 5s tend to be very logical, left-brain individuals. In a quest to best understand money, they may invest time and funds into educating themselves on money matters, including understanding investments and the stock market. Some 5s track money as if it were a job, with a serious commitment to checking their numbers or watching money news daily. Because of their focus on how money works, they may miss opportunities to understand the psychology of money in themselves and others, questioning the emotional decisions of others as incomprehensible or irrational.
Type 6 Loyalist: I must be responsible with my money.
Potential Problem: Deprivation from savings only. Guilt when spending.
Anxiety can plague Enneagram 6s when they are in an unhealthy state, which would include worries about money. 6s may struggle to spend money, fearing consequences or money emergencies where they wouldn’t have enough. They seek to be responsible with their money, and can feel guilt when making purchases without the space for thorough analysis of the consequences, or when making bigger purchases that have a bigger impact on their budget or bank account.
Type 7 Enthusiast: I will spend money to feel happy.
Potential Problem: Limited or no money for retirement or emergencies.
Our Enneagram 7s love to live life to the fullest. This may mean pursuing new experiences or by seeking dopamine through purchases. Others can view them as chasing the next shiny object, which results in judgement. Due to their passion and various interests, 7s can struggle to save money, whether that’s a vacation next year or retirement in 20 years. They live for the moment, which can have a negative effect on their emergency or retirement accounts.
Type 8 Challenger: I will do what I want with my money.
Potential Problem: Conflict in relationships in wanting sole decision making around money. Financial gatekeeper.
Enneagram 8s don’t like to be told what to do, so to tell them to save, spend, or use their money a certain way doesn’t bode well. 8s like to be the boss, which can include managing the money in a business, with their partner, or as a family. Their passionate personalities spur them to want to be sole decision makers with money, which puts them at risk of Financial Gatekeeping and resulting conflict with a partner or spouse.
Type 9 Peacemaker: Money upsets people so we don't have to talk about it.
Potential Problem: Money avoidance or accumulating debt.
Due to their natural role as a mediator, Enneagram 9s don’t voice their wants and needs very often. Their primary goal is to see all sides of an issue and to help keep the peace. Since money is a hot button issue for many people, 9s are more likely to agree to not talk about money, encouraging avoidance to prevent a conflict. As you can imagine, this can lead to money problems where money isn’t talked about, including increasing debt, poor management of money, and a lack of clarity about the future of money since it isn’t talked about.
How do these money challenges and potential problems land with you? Do they resonate with what you know of the Enneagram? By exploring our current relationship with money, we can continue to grow as individuals and partners in relationships, marriages, and communities. I’m a huge fan of knowing our edges, and encourage you to share your thoughts with me in the comments!