Are you a 'financial freewheeler' or an 'anxious avoider'? Take this quiz

A NEW QUIZ HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO HELP BRITS DISCOVER THEIR 'FINANCIAL PERSONALITY' - SO ARE YOU A FINANCIAL FREEWHEELER OR AN ANXIOUS AVOIDER? STEVE RICHMOND 13:42, 20 May 2025 Are

you a 'financial freewheeler' or an 'anxious avoider'? Discover your financial persona by taking this enlightening quiz. This intriguing questionnaire probes into your

views on money discussions and your bank balance management, eventually assigning you one of four possible character types. Following a study that discovered one in four Britons are

'silent savers' who discreetly manage their monetary matters—contrastingly, only a mere 5% exhibit complete transparency over their pecuniary affairs. A survey engaging 2,000

individuals disclosed that 18% align with the 'cautious calculator' archetype: scrupulous and exacting in their fiscal approach. Then, there are the 12% who fall into the

'casual conversationalist' category, comfortably chatting about their financial state and exchanging personal stories. Leading psychologist and media commentator Dr Linda

Papadopoulos highlights that despite typical British reticence to discuss money—with a half actually favouring open conversations about finances—the findings indicate a vast spectrum of

confidence in money management. Teaming up with KPMG UK for National Numeracy Day on Wednesday, 21st May, Dr Linda emphasises: "The research has shown a real mix of confidence when it

comes to finance and dealing with money." She continues, underscoring the significance of self-confidence in financial literacy: "And confidence is key – this isn't just about

maths; numeracy is all around us in every way. We're always dealing with numbers in some form in our lives. Article continues below "The good news is, many do rate their

understanding, but as soon as things get a little complex, confidence levels drop. Talking about numeracy and financial topics more frequently would absolutely help people to build

confidence, hearing whether other people thrive or struggle – and enable one another by listening and lending a helping hand." When presented with 10 different personality types related

to money, only 3% identified themselves as an 'oversharing optimist' and 4% as a 'competitive comparer'. The majority of respondents feel most at ease discussing

finances with their partners (46%), family members (20%) and friends (10%), yet only 1% would openly discuss it with a work colleague. And when it comes to discussing finances with friends

and family, 24% do so only a few times a year. According to the OnePoll data, three in 10 wish they were more comfortable talking about money with others. More generally, 88% expressed

confidence in their numerical abilities, but 37% admitted to struggling to understand financial documents such as utility bills and bank statements when faced with numerical complexity.

Meanwhile, 49% said they openly discuss financial topics such as the value of money (61%) and promoting responsible spending habits (52%) with their children to increase their exposure from

an early age. Research has shown that despite having a good grasp of numbers, many people struggle financially, with 35% often finding themselves short of cash by the end of the month and

23% running out halfway through. The main reasons for this include unexpected expenses (38%), high bills (33%), and insufficient income (29%). However, poor budgeting, lack of savings, and

money mismanagement also play a significant role (28%). Additionally, 30% of those surveyed have some form of debt, such as credit cards, mortgages, or loans. Bina Mehta, chair of KPMG UK,

which commissioned the study, stated: "Number confidence can have a significant impact on our lives, especially when it comes to understanding 'everyday' numbers like mortgage

or credit card interest rates. "Good numeracy skills can improve confidence with financial decision making, enhance job prospects, and even guard against vulnerability to fraud and

debt, all of which contributes to a healthier and more inclusive economy." Sam Sims, chief executive at National Numeracy, added: "This research highlights just how deeply personal

our relationship with money is - and how confidence with numbers shapes our financial decisions. "While it's encouraging that so many people feel confident with numbers, the

reality is that millions are still struggling with budgeting and understanding bills and financial documents." The organisation behind the awareness day says: "We know that

boosting numeracy isn't just about being better at maths - it's about building the confidence to face everyday financial challenges and make informed decisions. Article continues

below "That's why National Numeracy Day exists: to inspire people to feel good about numbers and take that first step towards improving their skills - because better numeracy can

lead to better opportunities, and brighter futures for everyone." NATIONAL NUMERACY HAS ALSO IDENTIFIED THE TOP FIVE MONEY PERSONALITIES THAT BRITS MOST RELATE TO: * Silent Saver -

Prefers to keep financial matters private, rarely discussing savings or investments with others. * Cautious Calculator – A careful planner and always analyses financial decisions, often

creating detailed budgets and tracking expenses meticulously. * Casual Conversationalist – Discusses money in a relaxed manner, often sharing personal experiences and anecdotes without much

concern for details. * Reluctant Realist - Talks about money with a pragmatic approach, acknowledging financial challenges and limitations. * Generous Mentor – Loves to share financial

advice and tips, often helping others with budgeting and investing.