Faith & Finance - How Your Temperament Shapes Your Money Decisions with Kathleen Edelman

“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” - Proverbs 14:8

When it comes to saving, spending, and talking about money, our God-given temperament plays a bigger role than we think. Today, Kathleen Edelman shares how understanding your wiring can lead to better financial decisions and healthier money conversations.

Kathleen Edelman is the author of “I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication.” She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.

What Is Temperament—And Why Does It Matter?

Temperament was studied by Hippocrates 2,000 years ago. It’s innate, unchangeable, and part of your design by God, like your eye color or fingerprint. In contrast, “personality” evolves based on culture, upbringing, education, and environment.

This foundational understanding is essential not just in relationships but also in how we approach money.

Temperament influences how we budget, spend, save, and even how we talk about money. Here’s how each temperament—Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green—sees financial decisions through a unique lens:

YELLOW (Sanguine): The Fun-Loving Giver

• Wiring: Optimistic, relational, in-the-moment.
• Financial Outlook: Sees money as a way to connect and create experiences. Often spontaneous and generous, but may avoid serious conversations about finances out of fear of conflict or damaging relationships.
• Growth Tip: Build guardrails around spending while leaving room for joy. Schedule regular money conversations to reduce anxiety.

RED (Choleric): The Visionary Leader

• Wiring: Goal-driven, results-oriented, confident.
• Financial Outlook: Excels at goal setting, budgeting for success, and achieving results. May be impulsive or steamroll others in decision-making.
• Growth Tip: Invite feedback and take the time to consider other perspectives. Collaboration builds trust.

BLUE (Melancholic): The Cautious Planner

• Wiring: Detail-oriented, safety-driven, analytical.
• Financial Outlook: Needs detailed plans, emergency savings, and financial security. Prefers structure and predictability.
• Growth Tip: Communicate your need for time to process financial decisions. Allow room for flexibility while maintaining your desire for order.

GREEN (Phlegmatic): The Peaceful Stabilizer

• Wiring: Calm, steady, conflict-avoidant.
• Financial Outlook: Values simplicity, consistency, and low-stress systems. May avoid decisions that involve conflict or c