Article, as shared in the Cape Gazette, printed April 3, 2026
Whether you’re a lifelong Delawarean or a recent retiree enjoying the coastal lifestyle, retirement offers a host of opportunities for living well and using your nest egg purposefully. 
How you use your money in retirement ties to your “financial personality.” Among the four most well-known types are spenders, savers, investors, and planners, each bringing different strengths and challenges. Let’s meet “Jamie,” our fictitious Type 1 personality—the Spender.
Jamie enjoys money primarily as a means to enhance relationships and create memorable experiences. Generosity comes naturally; Jamie is fun-loving, spontaneous, and doesn’t hesitate to treat friends or family. Budgets are often loose, and at any given time, Jamie may not know the exact bank account balance. While Jamie loves to spot bargains and get good deals, financial thinking leans short-term, so friends rarely seek Jamie’s advice on planning or investments.
If Jamie discovers $100 tucked away in a coat pocket, the immediate thought is, “How can I enjoy this the most?” Perhaps a new book, concert tickets, or even a thoughtful gift for a friend’s birthday. This energy makes Jamie great company and brings joy to social circles.
However, there are trade-offs. In retirement, Spenders’ priorities revolve around having money to enjoy throughout life. Some may delay retirement or work part-time to keep up their lifestyle. The downside is a tendency toward impulsive spending, trouble budgeting, and the risk of resources dwindling over time, perhaps at the risk of running out of money.
Spenders like Jamie stand to benefit significantly from professional planning. They recognize their limitations and often appreciate guidance. The most critical financial planning strategies for Spenders include Creating Wealth (so assets last), Generating Income (for steady cash flow), and Neutralizing Risk (to avoid draining funds too quickly).
Spenders should consider predictable financial instruments that provide income—like bonds, dividend-paying stocks, or income annuities that provide stipulated lifetime income. Investments for long-term planning are important—especially since the Spender often thinks in the short term. Even life insurance products can offer strategic value by insuring individuals the Spender relies on for income.
While no one is strictly one type, understanding your tendencies allows you to optimize your strengths and cover weaknesses. Ultimately, the best financial persona is simply who you are. Working with a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner can help retirees like Jamie create lasting financial health by filling in knowledge gaps and strengthening wise financial behaviors.
