US Financial Management, Inc.

1) I usually go shopping when:

a) I need a specific item; in fact, I almost always make a list.
b) When I’m feeling stressed or upset: a new pair of shoes or CD always perks me up.
c) Payday. The minute my check is in the bank I head to the mall and treat myself to a mini-shopping spree because I deserve it.
d) I am out with friends.
e) I want to check out any sales. I can figure out if I have room in my budget for something I have been wanting for a while.

2) My closet contains:

a) Two pairs of pants and five shirts. My clothes are all at least two years old.
b) A large amount of trendy clothes; some that I no longer wear because they are no longer in style or were a passing trend.
c) An overflowing amount of clothes, many with the price tags still on them or that have only been worn once. Some of them don’t even fit me!
d) Conservative clothes for work and many trendy evening pieces that I bought for nights out.
e) A smaller wardrobe with well-made classic pieces that have lasted me and will last me for a long time.

3) When I go out with friends or my significant other I:

a) Rarely go out but when I do, I scope out prices beforehand and pick the least expensive restaurant I can find. After the meal I figure out how much to pay for my dish plus tax and a small tip.
b) Go to an expensive restaurant and order what I please; however, I skip the extras like dessert or wine. I often offer to pay.  
c) Go to a trendy expensive place and splurge on bottles of wine, pricey dishes, and dessert. I like to live luxuriously when I go out.
d) Go out to trendy places that are pricier; however, I always get a dish that is not too expensive and split the check equally.
e) Often check out two-for-one coupons online or in the newspaper so that I can
have a nice dinner and not feel too guilty.

4) The amount of money I have on my credit cards is:

a) Credit Cards? I don’t own a single credit card. I pay for everything in cash.
b) Three or four hundred dollars on two or three credit cards. None are maxed out; however, I only pay the minimum each month.
c) I have a minimum of four thousand dollars in credit card debt and I have just opened up two more credit cards to get the store discounts. I never pay more than the minimum on my balance (sometimes I put off paying them to buy other things) and my cards are mostly maxed out.
d) A couple hundred dollars; however, I pay more than the minimum balance and no longer use them.
e) I generally put one or two small purchase on a credit card per month and pay off the entire balance the next month in order to maintain a high credit score.

5) When it comes to fads, trends, and luxury items (keeping up with Joneses), I:

a) Couldn’t care less. I have never concerned myself with what others have. I would rather save my money.
b) Will splurge on big item purchases such the latest “it” bag or a luxury car even though the payments are too expensive for my budget.
c) I’m obsessed! I always look to see what the movie stars are wearing, buying, and driving. I am fanatical about trying to keep up with them the best I can and will only buy designer goods.
d) Buy the trends the minute they come out. However, I only buy the cheap knockoffs at the discount stores. My drawers are full of leg warmers, skinny jeans, and shrugs that I bought for under $25.
e) Will buy something if I really like it and know that it won’t go out of style in a week. I try not to think too much about things that I know are out of my price range. My goal is to buy things that are stylish yet reasonable for my budget.

6) You see a huge sale at your favorite store. What would you do?

a) I would walk by it without thinking twice. I really don’t need anymore stuff right now.
b) I would go in and snap up a bunch of things I have been eyeing. It is always quite a bit more than I want to spend, but it seems like a good deal.
c) I would end up buying a bunch of non-sale items in addition to the discounted purchases and put it on my credit card because I have already spent my paycheck for that month.
d) Estimate the amount I would like to spend and snap up a couple of the items I like.
e) This is what I have my spending budget for! I buy one or two items I think I will use the most and are also a great deal.

7)How do you feel when you shop?

a) Annoyed. I dislike shopping and find it very stressful.
b) Excited. I always feel as though my money is burning a hole in my pocket.  
c) Lightheaded and dizzy. I feel like I am in a trance when I’m shopping and buy as much stuff as I can. Many times I am not sure why I bought certain items.
d) Happy. I like to get new things. I mean, who doesn’t?
e)Relaxed and analytical. I am always on the lookout for the best deal on things I need.

Give yourself the following points for each question you answered:
A= 1 PT B= 4PTS C= 5PTS D= 3PTS E= 2PTS

If you scored between 7-11 points: You are frugal to a fault.
Yes. Saving is a great thing and no one is going to admonish you for it. However, you also need to realize that it is okay To treat yourself to a nice dinner or a new outfit. You may not be an emotional shopper, but you are an emotional saver because you equate having money with safety or happiness. Remember, money on its own cannot make you happy; it only has power because it allows you to purchase things or experiences. I am not telling you to go out and spend every cent you have; far from it, you are saving for the future and that is a great thing. Just allow yourself to live a little in the meantime.

If you scored between 12-22 points: You are a Savvy Shopper
You seem to have it right. You are careful with your money and usually save more than you spend. You look for good deals and abstain from impulses, yet you also know how to go out, have fun, and buy things you truly enjoy. Make sure you keep a proper balance and continue to spend wisely.

If you scored between 23-35 points: Your Emotional Shopping is Wrecking your Finances