You might not easily link these two things, but our relationship with food affects the way we handle our money. That's what a financial expert tells Britain's Daily Mail newspaper. Financial expert Canna Campbell says that changes in your eating habits can cause you to be more conscious about money. Which "eating and spending type" do you identify with?
Conscious eater
According to Campbell, you are a saver if you eat slowly and think about every bite you take. You spend your money smartly and think a lot about where your money should go. "People who take their food in stride are more likely to spend carefully as well," she explains.
The hasty eater
Do you often gulp down your meals and catch yourself constantly eating and buying, while you never really feel satisfied? Then you are probably a mindless grazer who is always looking for more. According to Campbell, in that case, it's wise to pay cash and keep a good financial record, much like an eating journal. With this, you remind yourself of your spending and what you've eaten, which makes you stop looking for satisfaction faster.
The chaotic eater
Are you always on the go and taking little time to pause? Then the same is probably true when eating, making you a chaotic eater. Most likely, you also have no financial routine and no plan. You spend money when you feel the need and you also don't think carefully about any purchases. Campbell's advice? "Breathe in and out, make a list of what you need in terms of food or spending - and also write down why." This way, you'll avoid unnecessary purchases.
The passionate eater
Do you like to show off everything you eat and everything you buy? And do you like luxury a lot, even when you can't afford it? Chances are you are very generous. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but be careful not to overstep your bounds. Think for yourself what causes you to spend money compulsively, to prevent it from ever going wrong.
Eat without wasting
Leftovers from your food will never end up in the trash. No, you just put those in the fridge or freezer to eat at a later time. This is because you are against food waste and think carefully about what you eat. On the financial front, though, you are very likely to be greedy. You probably have a lot of money in your bank account but never spend it. It seems sensible to eat and spend money this way, but be careful not to go overboard, for example by denying yourself things. After all, that can trigger triggers.
The nibbler
Do you like to nibble on your food? Then you probably live very frugally and are a real bargain hunter. Often you think you have bargains, but according to Campbell, you forget how much all those bargains cost together. In your case, too, it makes sense to keep a financial diary.