Frugality Magazine - Frugal Living Tips for Financial Freedom

The Financial Benefits of Being an Introvert

Contents

As an introvert, I’m constantly frustrated about how the world seems set up primarily for the benefit of extroverts.

Job adverts tell us they’re looking for confident team players; people who’ll be happy giving presentations to a room of strangers.

Friends and work colleagues proudly tell me of their exploits over the weekend, branding me as “boring” for not wanting to drink till I drop.

I almost feel embarrassed about my interests in gardening, hiking in the countryside, or cooking a hearty meal at home.

Up until a few months ago I just thought I was a bit weird (as everyone else liked to remind me).

Since then I’ve come to realize that I’m just an introvert.

Luckily, since coming to understand my introversion a little better, and making friends with others who feel the same way, I’ve learned that actually there are a whole host of financial benefits of being an introvert…

Introverts Tend to be “Thinkers”

An old work colleague of mine got himself into a dreadful amount of debt, simply because he couldn’t entertain himself.

He had to be out every night, doing something, and that generally cost money.

Even worse, many of his friends were far more budget-conscious than him. To convince them to join him at a bar, he’d often end up agreeing to pay for all the drinks.

Unsurprisingly, he spent his whole life in a never-ending cycle of payday loans and credit cards.

Introverts are different.

Many of us are “thinkers” that are happy to live in our heads and don’t need the same level of stimulation that extroverts do.

I’ve come to realize that not needing all that external stimulus is actually a really good thing, and makes saving your money a whole lot easier.

Introverts Like to Stay at Home

Playing board games with friends. Growing your own vegetables. Painting. Reading. Learning a new computer language. All of these activities have a number of things in common; they’re cheap (or free), they can be done at home, and they’re often loved by introverts.

Who needs to work for two days just to pay for a ticket to a show or a theme park when you’ve got a stack of paperbacks from the local thrift store waiting for you at home?

In almost every case, being contented at home costs less than the same service provided by someone else.

Cooking at home costs less than going to a restaurant. Watching Netflix is cheaper than going to the movies. And so on.

If you’re a “homebody” who is never happier than when at home in their own little world then rejoice at the potential opportunities to save money every day!

Most Introverts Love to Read

To many of us introverts, a well-written book is a thing of great beauty.

I know that I can get lost in a good book for entire evenings, putting it down after some hours to make dinner, only to realize it’s actually time for bed.

A love of reading has many benefits for the financially-conscious individual.

Many books can be bought second hand very cheaply indeed, and there are always dozens of free books available on Kindle. This means that whole evenings – even weeks – can be filled for a matter of a few dollars. What could possibly be a more frugal form of entertainment?

There’s more. If you love reading – and you care about personal finance – then you’re also in the perfect position to learn more about money management.

Whether you choose to read personal finance books or subscribe to blogs like this one, a willingness to soak up the written word is a fantastic way to both entertain and educate yourself.

Most Introverts Are Inveterate Planners

I can’t even begin to tell you how many notebooks I have around my small home office, filled with plans, ideas and research.

In recent years I have also progressed to Google Docs, making full use of Google Sheets, Google Keep and other free planning tools.

From organizing a budget-friendly vacation to planning well ahead for Christmas, it’s very unusual indeed for anything to take me by surprise. Of course, that also includes personal finance too. 

I’m never happier than when I sit down to analyze last month’s spending, to plan a new budget or to carry out savings and investment forecasts. 

Such an interest in planning makes for great financial well-being.

When you give into your desires, you’ll find that you’re easily able to manage your money, ensuring you can always cover your bills and save for the future.  

Introverts are Independent

Introverts tend to be quite self-sufficient in terms of their personalities; I know I am.

Whilst I have friends and family that I adore, I also accept that I alone am responsible for my personal situation.

I realized recently just how many financial benefits there are of being so independently-minded.

Firstly, I don’t like the idea of debt or owing anyone money; I’ll never borrow money off you because I like to do things for myself. If I can’t afford something then I’d rather wait until I can.

Secondly, mental independence encourages you to think outside the box.

Just because someone tells you that you should be doing a certain thing, introverts are likely to quietly question that inside. This helps us to make up our own minds about the right way forward, and I would argue also helps us to discover and accept potentially unusual perspectives – such as that of early retirement.

Lastly, this self sufficient attitude of life tends to make introverts quite reliable individuals.

  • They pay the rent on time.
  • They don’t forget to pay bills and end up with late payment fines.
  • They don’t forget birthdays and have to buy a gift at the last minute for an inflated price.

Such careful consideration of everyday activities can help to save money by planning ahead, and can ensure a blemish-free credit record.

So there you have it.

If your friends think you’re odd because you don’t like noisy bars or loud clubs, and you’d rather sit at home with a good book then rejoice.

Your introversion has every possibility of being highly beneficial when it comes to getting ahead financially.

Are you an introvert? How do you feel your personality has affected your finances – either for good or bad? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below! 

Richard

Sun-worshipper and obsessive frugality blogger. For loads more money-saving advice come and join us on Facebook.

Add comment