Everyone likes money, but some people love the analytical side of finance. If you fall into the latter category, you might be a personal finance nerd. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
6 Signs You’re a Total Finance Nerd
There are financially savvy folks, and then there are finance nerds. As finance nerds, we don’t just understand the basics of how money works and different ways to save and invest. We have a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of handling money and maximizing every penny.
Not sure if you qualify as a finance nerd? Here are some signs that would indicate you do:
- You Compare Prices on Everything
If you can’t buy something without first comparing prices from multiple different companies or sellers, you might be a finance nerd.
Finance nerds compare prices on absolutely everything – including both small items and significant purchases. However, we’re especially cognizant of major investments, like real estate.
As a finance nerd, comparing mortgage interest rates is exhilarating. You love the excitement of crunching the numbers to find a deal on a loan. Beyond that, you like digging into every line item on a mortgage offer sheet to see the breakdown and understand the cost on an itemized basis.
- You’re a Podcast Addict
You’re such a finance nerd that you never want to miss out on a chance to learn something – even when you’re in the car driving, jogging on the treadmill, or waiting in line at the DMV. So what do you do? You pull up your iTunes and listen to one of the dozens of new episodes from your favorite podcasts. This may include The Dave Ramsey Show, The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Planet Money, So Money, and Financial Freedom.
- You’re Totally Cool With Delayed Gratification
We live in a culture that believes in instant gratification at all costs. From live streaming video and on-demand entertainment to fast food and now food delivery services, most people will do whatever it takes to get whatever they want in as short a time period as possible. Unfortunately, this comes at quite a cost.
You might be a finance nerd if you love delaying gratification to get something bigger or better down the road. While everyone else is fine getting $1 today, you’d rather have $2 tomorrow. (And this is a trait that will serve you well for years to come!)
- Your Friends Think You’re Poor
Do you have friends who think you’re poor, despite the fact that you almost certainly have a higher net worth than they do? This is a sign that you’re a personal finance nerd.
As a personal finance nerd, you aren’t flashy and you probably don’t brag about what you have. You live a modest lifestyle, but your bank account, investment portfolio, and retirement accounts are getting beefier by the month. Your friends pick on you for being cheap, but you’re the one chuckling under your breath.
- Windfall Money Gets Put to Good Use
When most people get windfall money – such as lottery winnings, tax refunds, or gift money for a birthday – they instantly dream up ways to spend it. Whether it’s a new watch, a down payment on a brand new vehicle, or a vacation to the Bahamas, the money goes fast. But when you get windfall money, you start daydreaming about how you can save and invest it to maximize your return.
- Budgeting is One of Your Favorite Activities
In a world where most people are averse to budgeting and find it to be boring and restrictive, you love the day you get to plan for next month’s finances. The practice of organizing and directing your money actually brings you a tremendous amount of freedom and relief. You get so excited about investing, that your spouse or significant other thinks you’re a little on the crazy side.
Use Your Nerd Powers for Good
As a finance nerd, you have advantages that others simply don’t have in life. You understand how to utilize your money well so that it works hard for you and your family. In addition to making smart decisions for your household, you should look for opportunities to use your nerdy powers for the good of others. Whether it’s helping a friend get their finances in order or teaching personal finance classes at a local school, opportunities abound!
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