Shopaholic? Experts Say It Could Be Your Enneagram Type

Okay, so your shopping habit has become…a little out of hand. 

Your delivery driver knows more about you than your parents. Your closet’s overflowing with clothes you have yet to wear, and you have minus money in your bank account to make it to payday. 

Before you beat yourself up for your lack of willpower, take a breath. It turns out, your shopping addiction might just be part of your personality.

The Shopaholic Trifecta: Three Types That Love to Shop

If you’re yet to take Truity’s free Enneagram test, do it right now and then come back to this article. Because according to Khara Crosswaite Brindle, who is both a financial and mental health therapist, three Enneagram types are more likely to be shopaholics than others. 

They are types Four, Seven and Eight.  

One of those types probably doesn't surprise you - Sevens are all about seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, after all. 

But you might be surprised by the other two. Here’s the  lowdown.

Type Fours: The Emotional Spenders 

Sensitive, reserved and whimsical, Type Fours are the ultimate individualists. They have a knack for self-expression, but are often plagued by insecurities that they’re somehow different or defective compared to everyone else. 

And that, says Crosswaite Brindle, can be their downfall when it comes to impulse buying. 

“Type Fours are likely to struggle with impulse spending that comes from a place of valuing quality and uniqueness,” she explains. “They may spend on high-quality items that make them feel special, or seek out unique, hand-made items that reinforce beauty and creativity.”

Type Fours are also prone to purchasing things for their symbolism. “Purchases can serve as social connectors for deeper conversations with others, or represent a Type Four’s motivation to feel equal to or better than others who have more money,” she explains. So if you've ever splurged your entire paycheck on a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing just to feel like you stand out from the crowd, it might be your Type Four traits at play. 

Type Sevens: The Impulse Buyers 

The true free spirits of the Enneagram, Type Sevens are happy-go-lucky people who relish living in the moment. This makes them classic impulse buyers, says our expert. 

“Type Sevens enjoy spontaneity and adventure,” she says. “This could justify impulse spending in their quest for experiences, as well as items that resonate with their passions, interests and zest for life.” 

This echoes Truity’s research into the financial habits of the nine Enneagram types, which found that Type Sevens were happiest with “experience” purchases like travel and events that matched their thirst for adventure. 

In essence, if a Seven sees it and likes it, they’ll probably buy it - with little thought about whether they really need it, or even can afford it.  FOMO is driving much of their desire to buy; Sevens feel they’re missing out if they don’t seize the opportunity to have something they want.

Type Eights: The Stubborn Spenders 

Surprised to see Eights on this list? We were, too, but  Crosswaite Brindle says that for tenacious Type Eights, the motivation for excessive spending often comes from a deep need to be self-reliant. The core fear of this type is losing control, so if anyone tells them what to do with their money, they may do the opposite. That’s how they maintain an inner sense of power and calm. 

“Type Eights don’t like to be told how to use their money,” Crosswaite Brindle says. “This means they can choose to spend when told to save, or choose to save when told to spend, all as the result of seeking autonomy in their decisions.”

What About the Other Types? 

While Fours, Sevens and Eights are the most likely types to be shopaholics, any individual can fall into a habit of excessive spending, especially if they’re going through a difficult time.

“Unmet emotional needs can manifest as spending money in the moment to make ourselves feel better,” Crosswaite Brindle says. “A purchase and the rush of dopamine we get when finding a good deal is a relatable experience for many.”

On top of that, clever TikTok videos and easy access to shopping from your phone mean many people fall prey to what Crosswaite Brindle calls “false scarcity marketing.” 

“Do you feel giddy when you get something “while supplies last?” Do you feel anxious to “buy now” before it’s gone?” she asks. “By giving consumers a false sense of urgency, people are making purchases driven by urgency and emotions instead of asking if the purchase is a priority right now.” 

So, even if you're a famously frugal Type Five or a pragmatic Type One, don’t think you’re immune to overspending when your emotions are running high. 

“Spending money you don’t have, feeling guilt after a purchase or not being able to pay monthly bills all indicate your shopping habit has spiraled out of control,” explains Crosswaite Brindle. “If you find yourself in conflict with your family about spending or hiding purchases from loved ones, these are also tell-tale signs.” 

Becoming a Savvy Spender: Steps to Take 

The great news is that knowing your Enneagram type can be incredibly beneficial for curtailing your out-of-control shopping habit. As the saying goes, self-awareness is the first step towards self-improvement. 

Here’s what Crosswaite Brindle recommends for the three biggest shopaholic types. 

• Fours: When you feel the urge to splurge, “slow down and sit in your authentic emotions,” Crosswaite Brindle says. By doing so, you buy yourself time to regulate your emotions and may realize that the sudden desire to buy something was just temporary. Another strategy is to “embrace values-based spending”, and only spend on items that truly resonate with you.   
• Sevens: Like Fours, Sevens would also do well to “check in on their values before spending” to ensure you’re not just buying on a whim. However, avoiding feelings of deprivation is also important for this type’s happiness. Crosswaite Brindle recommends you “identify small spending joys over bigger purchases to allow spontaneity.”  Treat yourself to a few small indulgences each week so you don’t feel the need to splurge on a larger, more expensive item. 
• Eights: For Eights, the main learning is to relinquish some control over money. Crosswaite Brindle advises “identifying shared financial goals with their loved ones and letting people close to them have some say in how joint money is spent.” Not only does this allow Eights to practice letting go of some control, it also brings accountability into their spending habits. Eights should also try to detangle their emotions a little more, so they can spend on things they really like rather than spending out of stubbornness.