Financial traits: Aggressive "charge ahead" approach to all monetary matters. Goes for broke investing in risky stocks, and usually bets on one stock rather than diversifying. Trades a ton. Runs the risk of an adjustable rate mortgage rather than locking into a fixed rate loan.
Advice: Curb your bullish bravado.
* OSTRICH *
Financial traits: Deals with financial problems by sticking head in the sand. Doesn't open bills because can't bear to see the big balance. Has family, but no living revocable trust or life insurance. Worries, but doesn't take action.
Advice: Face up to your financial reality.
* OCTOPUS *
Financial traits: Has a hand in everything, but control over nothing. Owns twenty mutual funds, five insurance policies, and seven credit cards.
Advice: Untangle your financial mess before you drown.
* LEMMING *
Financial traits: Follows the pack to avoid thinking for self. Listens to a commission-based broker who pushes whatever the firm wants sold, rather than hiring a fee-only advisor who puts your true best interests first.
Outlook: It's your money, your life. You can't afford to abdicate to others.
* KANGAROO *
Financial traits: Pretends to have very deep pockets; spends, spends, spends, without the money to actually cover the bills.