Enneagram and Money: Financial Secrets of Each Enneatype

1 August 2024

enneagram and money

Enneagram and money refers to how each Enneagram type handles their finances—how they earn, manage, spend, and treat money in general. Money is a value that every Enneagram type perceives in different ways, and, therefore, finances play a different role in each type’s life strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore what money means to each Enneagram type and how they can improve their financial health and habits.

Enneagram and Money: How Each Enneagram Type Deals With Their Finances

Learning about Enneagram and money allows us to better understand how each Enneatype’s values are connected with their financial status and skills. Moreover, exploring the connection between Enneagram and money, as well as each type’s attitude toward money, will help us understand their core motivations.

So, let’s see how Enneagram and money are connected and how each Enneagram type deals with their finances.

#1. Enneagram 1 Financial Habits

Ones are very responsible, dutiful, and goal-oriented. For them, money is just a means to their goals, but they don’t perceive it as a goal itself. Moreover, they aren’t materialistic, even though they are very practical, so they usually spend money in a very rational manner.

Due to their strong sense of accountability, they usually always have enough money to cover their needs and avoid relying on anyone for help. Plus, they aren’t impulsive shoppers and prefer to make carefully considered investments and buy only things that they really need.

Even when they are very rich, Ones don’t show off but seek meaningful ways to use their money and make the world a better place. Additionally, they are very generous and always willing to help their friends and loved ones who are experiencing financial challenges.

In general, since they are highly oriented toward personal growth and always seek ways to optimize things, Ones are very efficient with their finances and can share great advice on the topic. So, it is safe to say that, in terms of Enneagram and money, Ones are excellent with their finances.

#2. Enneagram 2 Financial Habits

Money bills clumped up in hands

For Twos, money means security, but they are not too attached to it. They are very aware of the value and power of money, yet they are hardly ever ready to prioritize it. Moreover, the more they have it, the more generous they are with it, as they enjoy treating others and buying them presents.

However, they are also very responsible with money when it comes to handling their bills, taxes, and similar financial responsibilities. If they are in charge of any kind of budget at work, they will also handle it in the best and most practical way possible.

Nevertheless, Twos are not big savers in general. Due to their lack of self-confidence, they are also prone to earning less than they could, as they tend to underestimate themselves and have trouble standing up for their rights.

Money is never a good enough motivator for Twos to do anything. Simply doing what they love usually feels fulfilling enough for them, which is also one of the reasons why they settle for less than they deserve.

#3. Enneagram 3 Financial Habits

When thinking about Enneagram and money, Threes come to mind naturally as one of the most materialistically-oriented types—money takes one of the top spots on Threes’ priority list.

For them, money means status, recognition, and admiration of society, so they usually strive toward careers that are known to be financially lucrative. Additionally, they are among the highest-earning Enneagram types.

As for their financial habits, Threes are not savers. They may also spend money impulsively on designer clothes and expensive status symbols. However, they will rarely allow themselves to experience any kind of financial trouble.

Needless to say, money plays an important role in their decision-making process and can be the sole reason they change jobs or even careers. They may also be good investors.

Take the main character from “Wolf of the Wall Street,” Jordan Belfort, a Wall Street broker, as a good example of what money means to Type Three and how they handle it.

#4. Enneagram 4 Financial Habits

Four’s relationship with money is very unstable. They are very impulsive with their money and don’t really appreciate its value. For them, money is just something that comes and goes, and even when they earn a lot, they don’t feel that it matters.

In most cases, money is literally just a means for them to support their impulsive decisions. Needless to say, they are big spenders who tend to buy things that make them feel good without any regard for how their shopping sprees affect their budget.

Moreover, because of their lack of discipline, Fours are very likely to behave irresponsibly toward their financial obligations—from rent to taxes. That’s partly because they hate administrative chores and partly because they simply don’t think enough about practical daily issues.

Of all the Enneagram types, Fours are among those who would benefit the most from financial counseling.

#5. Enneagram 5 Financial Habits

A woman counting money - enneagram and money

Fives are exceptionally good at handling finances. Their analytical skills and ability to plan and strategize combined with their pragmatic spirit make them great with managing financial resources.

On top of that, no matter how modest or abundant their resources are, they always find a way to make things work. They are probably the biggest savers among the Enneagram types.

However, despite their mastery of financial issues, Fives tend to chronically worry about money. That’s because, to them, money means independence, and independence is their top priority in life. As a result, they invest money in developing their competencies because they are aware that the more competent they are, the more they will earn.

The best illustrations of how good Fives are with money are Enneagram Five celebrities like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, who are also some of the richest people in the world.

#6. Enneagram 6 Financial Habits

Six’s financial habits are very similar to Five’s, but they are significantly more worried about their money and significantly less prone to making risky investments than Fives. For Sixes, money means security, and they are very conscious about how they spend it and use it in general.

Money plays an important role in their lives, as they see it as one of the fundamental factors of stability. Moreover, regardless of how well off they are, they never show off but remain down-to-earth and practical, focused on not wasting their resources.

While, in general, they seem to manage their money exceptionally well, they may sometimes focus too much on saving when they could benefit more from focusing on earning more.

#7. Enneagram 7 Financial Habits

Sevens, together with Fours, are the biggest spenders of the Enneagram. To them, money is just a way to fulfill their desires, and they spend it impulsively on anything that makes them happy—from travel to clothes and everything in between. They are likely to spend everything they earn and rarely make long-term financial plans.

However, Sevens are usually very capable of earning money and are also among the highest-paid Enneagram types. That’s because they are often multitalented, and when they use their talents appropriately, they are capable of making a lot of money and building wealth.

It is important for Sevens to be aware of their unhealthy financial habits, such as excessive shopping and impulsive purchases, as these habits may cost them more than money and lead to all kinds of psychological issues, from shopping addiction to emotional deprivation.

#8. Enneagram 8 Financial Habits

enneagram and money

Eights are also one of the types that first come to mind when talking about Enneagram and money. That’s because Type Eight, the Challenger, is very money-conscious. For Eights, money is power, and since power is their top value, they make sure they have more than enough.

Together with Threes, they are the highest-earning Enneagram types who have excellent financial management skills. Their self-control is exceptional, so they are also good savers and smart spenders.

Furthermore, money is a strong motivator for Eights and can be a deciding factor in their career choices and professional decisions. However, as they are excellent strategists, they are not likely to simply go after whoever offers more; they will go after what they believe can provide continuous financial growth for them.

Finally, Eights knows that the secret to wealth and abundance isn’t in saving but in endeavors that provide good returns on investment.

#9. Enneagram 9 Financial Habits

Out of all Enneagram types, Nines are the least concerned with money. To them, money is just a means to an end and they find it tiring to even think about it. However, they rarely experience severe financial issues because they make sure they have enough money to keep life flowing smoothly.

They often get opportunities to earn more and improve their financial resources, but they lack the motivation to pursue them since positive relationships and community are the most important things to them. Therefore, money on its own is never enough to motivate them to change jobs.

In terms of spending and saving, Nines enjoy buying presents for other people and generally spend money on pleasures such as fine dining, art, and hobbies. They are not the best savers and are prone to spending all they earn by the end of each month.

Key Takeaways

It is safe to conclude that each Enneagram type’s relationship with money reflects their core values and motivations. So, let’s round off by focusing on the most important insights about Enneagram and money:

  • Types 1, 4, and 9 are the least materialistic and money-oriented, though their financial management skills are very different.
  • Types 3 and 8 find money very important and see it as a means of status and power.
  • Types 5 and 6 have exceptional financial management skills and are very frugal.
  • Types 2 and 7 enjoy spending money on pleasures and can earn a lot, though they don’t perceive money as particularly important.

Enneagram and Money FAQ

#1. Which Enneagram type is the most entrepreneurial?

Enneagram Type Three, the Achiever, and Enneagram Type Eight, the Challenger, are the most entrepreneurial types. Eights are particularly prone to entrepreneurship as it provides them with the independence they crave.

#2. What Enneagram type earns the most money?

Type Eight is considered the highest earning Enneagram type for several reasons, including their leadership skills, readiness to take risks and responsibility, and self-assurance that allows them to negotiate excellent income.

#3. Which Enneagram type is the most materialistic?

Enneagram Type Three is the most materialistic Enneagram type. Threes are the most likely to spend money on luxurious goods that contribute to their public image and social status.