I'm Nicole Lapin, the only financial expert you don't need a dictionary to understand.

It's time for some money rehab. John Lennon knew all about mind games and you know what he said they're not

all that bad today I'm talking about mind games kind. I'm talking about how psychology affects your spending habits, how your head doesn't always seem to be on the same page as your bank account,

and yet how you can harness the power of your big beautiful brain

to actually save money.

It's time for some truly mind altering money rehab.

But not exactly in the way John Lennon meant it.

I'm talking about practical research-based psychological tricks that you can play on your own mind to finally get your financial shit together and save you all the money you know you need to be saving.

And as a bonus, these Money mind games will not only make you

wealthier but also mentally healthier. Here are my five faves. Number one,

Be yourself. I know this isn't though as cliche as it sounds.

According to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association

people tend to save more money when their savings goals match their dominant personality traits.

The personality traits studied were agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and

neurotic.

I know, no one likes to be described as erotic thanks American

Psychological Association. So instead let's just think of this last category

as someone who is likely to be a warrior and if you fall in this category, all good, because same.

The research suggests that agreeable people should set savings goals related to helping other

people, like a family member or a friend, perhaps. Conscientious people like to do the right thing and tend to be

dutiful and self-controlled. They're often really good at planning far into the future and

following through so that they can set long-term savings goals.

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