Spend thrift or tight fist?

A money strategy is just a scheme on paper. Certainly, some financial pundit out there could offer a scenario to boost Schneider's return if she took a lump sum. But that wouldn't suit her real-life habits. And when financial advice doesn't take into account the personalities and sometimes odd behaviour of real people, it's worthless.

Here are a few money personalities, and some financial tips that work for each:

The planner
Planners tend to be careful spenders and conservative investors. They like the comfort of a steady paycheck, they live within their means, and they save on a regular basis. They equate money with security or safety. They're goal-setters, list-makers, spreadsheet-builders, and coupon-clippers. On the downside, they can be workaholics, cheapskates, and big on self-denial (for instance, they'll walk to save on bus fare).

The best tool for a planner is a budget to help them spend money more fearlessly, because they're usually excellent savers. Thus when a planner's partner suggests they try the new Italian restaurant and see a first-run movie, she can resist the temptation to suggest a free video from the library and microwave popcorn instead – because the money for the splurge is built into the budget.

Create a simple budget and try not to think about money a lot, compare yourself to others, and say things like "I can't afford it" too often. Practicing some basic money and happiness techniques can help overcome the drawbacks to this style.

The adventurer
Adventurers equate money with freedom, options, and living in the moment. Their spending is focused on creating memories – they're big on vacations, outings with friends, and sports gear. On the downside, adventurers can be pathologically optimistic and overshoot their incomes. Saving and budgets are a tiresome distraction from their globetrotting exploits. That can get them into trouble with debt.

The best tool for an adventurer is automated investing. Opening a separate savings account and having a stipulated amount a month transferred from a checking account can help build a cash cushion for adventures.

The dreamer
Dreamers are intuitive mystics – they don't just see the big picture, they're one with it. To them, money is simply an amorphous thing that ebbs and flows, not something that can be captured or stored up. They often work in helping or creative professions, or they drift from job to job in search of meaning. They give generously to charities and friends.

On the downside, they have a hard time asking for what they deserve, so they're underpaid. Since dreamers tend to be guided by their emotions, they should write down how they would like to feel about their money (more in control, peaceful, responsible, and so on), then, for each feeling, create a concrete step to achieve it.

The best financial tools for dreamers are people who can guide them through the money maze. The right career coach, for instance, can assist a dreamer in identifying what they value most, forging a satisfying career path, and negotiating a fair wage.