Winnie Pooh creator A. A. Milne had great insights into human behavior, as demonstrated in his characters Tigger, Eeyore, and Winnie the Pooh. We all know real life Tiggers, Eeyores and Poohs. In fact, most of us can see some of these three in our own lives. Because our personalities often determine how we manage our money, we may be able to learn why we do things right and not so right by having guessing how Tigger, Eeyore and Pooh handle their personal finances.
Tigger
His predominant personality trait is his bounciness. Tigger is hyperactive and fun loving. He also loves playing detective and he prides himself on never getting lost.
Tiggers’s good points
- Is not afraid of failure
Tigger could be a great entrepreneur because he doesn’t mind trying new things. If it doesn’t work out, he will merrily bounce on to a new adventure. In Tigger’s words, “That’s what Tiggers do best. Hoo hoo hoo hoo!”
- Mystery solver
Tigger loves to play detective, a great trait for those who want to excel in personal finance. The adage “Never buy anything you don’t understand” could describe Tigger.
- Never gets lost
One who succeeds in his personal finance life is one who can set and keep short term and long term goals. It is easy to get sidetracked when the road of life has so many twists and turns, but Tigger is able to stay on target because he never gets lost.
Tigger’s not so good points
- Hyperactivity
Tigger’s “bounciness” causes his stock broker a great deal of consternation. Why? Tigger doesn’t have the patience to wait out down cycles in the market. If an investment doesn’t do well immediately, Tigger will simply bounce over to another one.
Eeyore
Eeyore is perpetually depressed. His cup is always half empty and he will always spot the dark cloud instead of the silver lining
Eeyore’s good points
- Not gullible
Eeyore will never, ever fall for a get rich quick scheme. Why? Because he doesn’t think anything good will ever happen to him.
Eeyore’s not so good points
- Lack of initiative
Will not start a new business, will not plan for retirement, will not even save because he doesn’t think anything good can happen to him.
- Can’t keep a job
It is not that Eeyore can’t be productive. It is just that his constant whining wears thin on his co-workers and his bosses. He tends to drag an entire team down with his downbeat personality.
Pooh
Winnie is low key, stable, lovable and loving. He tries to think the best of others, is not known for his high intellect, and struggles with one obsession: honey.
Pooh’s good points:
- Saving
Pooh people will have their savings automatically deducted from their pay checks. They will have a solid emergency fund and will not make big purchases without saving for them first.
- Investing
Pooh is OK at low key boring investments. He maintains a low risk, well balanced portfolio
- Solid employee
Pooh is respected and well liked by all. He will work hard because he wants to please everyone. He is a great team player.
Pooh’s not so good points
- Could be gullible
Because Pooh is a people pleaser, he is hesitant to say “no,” making him prey for telemarketers.
- Impulse spending
Pooh loves honey so much that he will blow his budget when he is anywhere near honey. If honey was electronic gadgets, new clothing, new power tools, new cars, etc, etc, Pooh would be perpetually blowing money he couldn’t afford to blow. Sound like anyone you might know?
How about you? Which personality traits of these three characters remind you of yourself? How does your personality type affect your handling of money?
