Researchers at the Open University Business School in the UK have observed a clear link between personality and overall life satisfaction. The study, published in the Financial Planning Review, suggests that individuals who are more diligent, organized, and hardworking tend to report higher levels of well being. This finding adds nuance to how we think about wealth, health, and everyday happiness, especially in societies where financial security is tied to long-term planning and daily habits.
The central aim of the investigation was to explore how specific personality traits correlate with an individual’s wealth. Wealth here is conceptualized through a combination of tangible assets such as property, savings, and investments, along with valuable physical items. In total, 3,240 participants were involved. Each person completed a questionnaire that assessed personality traits and a demographic survey that captured age, education, income, family status, and housing. Participants then self-reported their current level of wealth across several dimensions, providing a broad picture of how personality relates to financial standing.
Conscientiousness emerged as the most consistent predictor of well being across all wealth indicators. Individuals who score higher on conscientiousness—those who are organized, reliable, and disciplined—tend to fare better in terms of property ownership, accumulated savings, and invested assets. This association held even after accounting for demographic factors, suggesting that disciplined habits, careful planning, and a preference for long-term goals contribute to both financial security and emotional well being. In practical terms, routines like budgeting, setting financial milestones, and maintaining orderly finances appear to reinforce a sense of control and purpose that supports overall life satisfaction.
Neuroticism, a trait characterized by emotional instability and anxiety, showed a notably negative relationship with wealth in this study. People with higher levels of neuroticism were less likely to accumulate substantial savings, own property, or maintain diversified investments. The authors interpret this pattern as reflecting how emotional volatility can disrupt money management, complicate decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of sticking with long-term financial plans. The takeaway is not that neurotic individuals cannot build wealth, but that mood fluctuations and worries can interfere with steady financial progress over time.
Extroversion also demonstrated a meaningful association with income, though the picture is nuanced. Extroverted individuals tended to report higher income levels, potentially due to social networks, communication skills, and opportunities that arise in collaborative or client-facing roles. Yet the study also notes a caveat: extroverts may be more prone to impulsive spending or risky investments if not balanced by prudent financial oversight. The pattern highlights how social ease can translate into earnings, but it can also introduce behavioral pitfalls that threaten long-term wealth stability if not managed with disciplined financial habits.