Will your emotions drive your financial decisions? Or do you keep calm and counting regardless of what’s going on in the market or bank account? According to personal finance experts Suze Ormanunderstanding the emotional aspects of money is one of the most powerful steps you can take to take for long-term financial security.
In an episode of the recent episode of the Women and Money podcast, Allman introduced the listener to “Emotional Money Score,” a self-assessment tool that helps people measure the extent to which their emotions affect their financial choices.
Oman has long emphasized that fear, shame and anger are internal barriers that can undermine financial success. These feelings can drive impulsive decisions—such as spending money or avoiding bills out of anxiety. Even the best financial plan can collapse if emotions take up the driver’s seat.
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She reminded the audience: "Money alone is not the key to true financial freedom...it is your mentality, emotion and willingness to face the truth."
To help listeners better address their emotional habits surrounding money, Allman asked a 20-question quiz. Each question gives you four options: A, B, C, or D - Each letter represents a different emotional response to a shared financial situation - such as facing unexpected expenses, setting goals, or talking about money with loved ones.
After answering all 20 questions, you assign the index to each answer:
A = 3 points
B = 1 point
C = 0 points
D = 2 points
Then total points to calculate your emotional currency score.
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Choose the answer that best reflects your current habits or feelings:
What emotions do you feel most often when you think about your financial situation?
A. Calm and control
B. Anxiety or fear
C. Indifference or avoidance
D. Excited but sometimes impulsive
How do you react if the stock market falls or the economy is about to explode?
A: I stick to my plan and don't panic
B. I worry and consider making rash changes
C. I ignore it, hope it's best
D. I feel anxious and want to act quickly
What is your process when you want to make a large purchase?
A: I assess whether it is necessary or action is needed
B. I often buy it just to feel better and then regret it
C. I avoid thinking about the last minute
D. I buy it first and figure out the consequences later
Do you have an emergency fund?
A: Yes, I contribute to this regularly
B. I want, but far from what I need
C. No, I keep postponing
D. I can only save it when I am afraid of financially
How do you discuss money with your loved ones?
A. Comfortable and open
B. Nervous or ashamed
C. I avoid
D. I lead the conversation or impress others with money
If you experience financial setbacks, what is your first response?
A: I calmly evaluate the situation and make a plan
B. I panic and felt at a loss
C. I ignored it and hope it will solve it
D. I blame myself or others and act impulsively
Do you believe there is more money to solve your problem?
A: No, I know happiness and security come from within
B. Yes, I often think more money can solve all problems
C. I don't know. I'll avoid thinking
D. Sometimes, but I also know that I need to change my habits
How do you feel when you see someone spending money on something you want but can’t afford?
A: I am happy for them and satisfied with my own choices
B. I'm jealous or dissatisfied
C. I try not to think about it
D. I sometimes overspending just to keep up
What is your first instinct when you receive unexpected funds like bonuses, gifts, or tax refunds?
A: Save or invest
B. Quick spending
C. Let it sit, not sure what to do
D. Treat yourself and worry about the rest
How do you achieve your financial goals?
A: I set clear realistic goals and track my progress
B. I set goals, but rarely follow
C. I avoid setting goals because it feels overwhelming
D. I set ambitious goals but distracted by new desires
If you make a financial mistake, what do you do?
A: I learn from it and adjust my behavior
B. I am addicted to this and feel inward
C. I ignore it and hope it disappears
D. I blame myself severely or repeat mistakes
What is your attitude towards debt?
A: I avoid it or pay it off quickly
B. I feel anxious or ashamed of this
C. I ignored it, hoping it won't catch up with me
D. I use debt to get what I want and worry later
How often do you check your bank account or credit union account or currency account balance?
A: As part of my daily work, regularly
B. Only when I worry
C. Very little or never
D. When I want to spend money or squander
What do you think about your current retirement savings?
Answer: I have confidence and the right track
B. I'm worried because I'm behind
C. I don't know how many I have
D. I always meant to start, but not
What are your reactions when you receive a bill or financial statement?
A: I open it and review it immediately
B. I felt anxious, but finally opened it
C. I avoid as long as possible
D. I ignore it until something goes wrong
How do you decide to make a loan or donate to friends or family?
A: I set clear boundaries and stick to them
B. I feel intimate
C. I avoid talking
D. I often say yes, even if I shouldn't
How do you feel about negotiating salary?
A. Self-confidence and self-confidence
B. Nervous, but try anyway
C. I avoid
D. I become positive or emotional
If you lose your job tomorrow, how will you deal with it financially and emotionally?
A: I have a plan that will keep calm
B. I will panic, but I need to figure it out
C. I feel lost and overwhelmed
D. I will blame myself or others and act impulsively
How do you react when someone gives you financial advice?
A: Open, willing to learn
B. Defensive or embarrassing
C. I listen or avoid conversation
D. I became controversial or dismissive
How do you feel about the financial future overall?
A: Full of hope
B. Worry but trying to improve
C. Uncertainty and avoidance
D. Optimistic but sometimes unrealistic
See also: Maximize retirement savings and reduce taxes: Arrange a free phone call with a financial advisor to start your financial trip – no cost, no obligation.
Your final score will put you in one of four emotional categories:
50–60: Emotionally capable: You have mastered your financial emotions. You make decisions based on facts and long-term goals, not impulsive or fear.
30–49: Emotional awareness: You are developing awareness and making progress, but your emotions still play a role in financial decisions.
15–29: Emotional Responsibility: Your choices are often influenced by how you feel at the moment. There may be overspending, avoidance or in-gui mode.
0–14: Emotionally overwhelmed: When it comes to money, you may feel paralyzed by fear or uncertainty. Your emotions shape not only economic behavior, but other areas of life.
Understanding your emotional currency score is the first step, not the final ruling. Orman urged listeners, especially those in lower categories, to see the results as wake-up calls. "Please stop for a second before doing this, I hope you pay attention to how you feel and why you are going to do what you are going to do," she said.
She explains that self-awareness leads to self-control. Self-control can lead to financial security, peace of mind and a greater sense of personal strength.
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What is your emotional currency score in this article? 20 Questions from Suze Orman to Determine if you have control over your money or if it was initially shown on Benzinga.com
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