Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

What’s Your Spending Personality? Here’s How to Tell, According to an Expert.

“The ideal middle ground is being intentional with your purchases.”

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

Have you ever stopped and wondered what type of “spender” you are? (If not, consider yourself lucky. I, for one, feel guilty even buying groceries in this economy, but I digress.)

According to Gretchen Rubin in an article on Slate, there are two main types of buyers: overbuyers and underbuyers. While they’re pretty self-explanatory, these buying types can help you better understand your spending habits. If you lean toward one extreme, you might benefit from finding a middle ground.

In her article, Rubin explains that neither spending personality is particularly productive. Both have their own pros and cons, and striking a healthy balance between the two can help you feel more financially grounded.

What Is an Overbuyer?

As you could probably guess from the name, an overbuyer is someone who overspends without much thought. They might purchase unnecessary items in bulk or buy........

© Vice