By Stacey Bumpus, Go Banking Rates
Lucky money. Photo from Go Banking Rates.
Chinese New Year 2014 is here and there’s no better way to celebrate than coming up with great ideas for saving money!
What’s the connection between the two, you ask? Well, each animal sign in the Chinese zodiac represents a different personality type with unique characteristics that dictate how a person born under the sign approaches life.
By learning more about the characteristics of your animal sign and understanding your personal money management tendencies, you could make financial improvements based on that knowledge. Give it a try!
What is the Chinese New Year?
The China New Year represents the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on January 31, 2014.
The New Year is celebrated grandly, starting with the New Moon on the first day of the new year until the full moon 15 days later (on the final day, the Lantern Festival occurs). Known as a family and community affair, it is the longest and most important festival in the Chinese calendar.
Chinese New Year 2014 is the year of the horse. The reason for this animal designation is the Stem-Branch system Chinese calenders used to count days, months and years.
Eleven more animal signs are used to complete the 12 branches of the Chinese calendar. Each sign comes with its own set of personality traits that makes it unique.
Which Chinese New Year Animals Are Good with Money?
Now that you know the history of the Chinese New Year, let’s take a look at the 12 Chinese New Year animals represented in the zodiac, along with the characteristics that could dictate their financial personalities:
Rat/Mouse
Birth years: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The rat is the first sign in the Chinese calendar and represents progress, exploration and insight. People born under this sign are known for being charming, intelligent and innovative, the latter benefiting the rat, particularly in business.
Financial Personality: Thrifty. The rat is among the thriftier signs on the Chinese zodiac. This means its great for them to take advantage of that natural inclination towards saving money by searching for great deals, using coupons and opening a savings account that will help store savings for safe keeping.
Ox
Birth years: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
As the second sign in the zodiac, the ox is considered the stabilizing force that perpetuates the life cycle. It represents integrity and abides by the laws of nature. People born under this sign are known to be dependable, calm and methodical.
Financial Personality: Cautious. The ox believes in security and therefore, does not believe in taking wild financial gambles. Those born under this sign can take advantage of this personality trait by participating in the safer aspects of investing, such as bonds or even certificates of deposit.
Tiger
Birth years: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The tiger is one of the more adventurous signs in the zodiac. It loves to blaze new trails and seek the unattainable. People born under this sign may be a bit impulsive, relying more on instincts for guidance than plans.
Financial Personality: Spender. The tiger is known for being a sign that loves to spend money and take financial risks. The idea is to take chances in hopes of doubling money. Because they are also known for being quite lucky, taking chances often works. But to have the best of both worlds, remember that creating a well-rounded portfolio ensures gains over the long-term.
Rabbit/Hare
Birth years: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The rabbit is said to be in tune with the pulse of the universe, continuously aligned with harmony and inner peace. Soft-spoken, graceful and elegant, this sign is naturally reserved and a bit artistic, yet is known for being very lucky in business.
Financial Personality: Security Seeker. Rabbits enjoy seeking security through their finances. Whether they’re buying a home, or furniture and gadgets to fill it up, they are looking for ways to make their safe haven comfortable. Since rabbits are into gadgets more so than making investments, it’s good to focus on how to save money on purchases. Take time to examine the best rates available on cars and homes while seeking discounts on other items to avoid overspending.
Dragon
Birth years: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon is fired up about life, carrying energy and a heroic heart. Filled with vitality and strength, dragons are able to accomplish great things in life while always maintaining loyalty to friends and family.
Financial Personality: Non-Saver. There are people who save and people who don’t. Dragons fall into the latter category, never really caring about accumulating money. Instead, like tigers, they would prefer to gamble and take chances. While accumulation isn’t a big deal, the stock market could serve to be a thrill for the dragon, as long as diversification (both safe and riskier investments) is the name of the game.
Snake
Birth years: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The snake is known for showcasing wisdom and continuously seeking purpose. Often the philosophers, theologians and deep thinkers of the world, snakes gravitate toward the inner depths of life. The snake is the animal sign of Chinese New Year 2013.
Financial Personality: Risk Taker. On the financial side, the snake is considered a bit of a risk-taker, not afraid to jump head first into a financial deal — or even a shopping spree — without thinking about what’s at stake. A great way to avoid overspending is to place money into savings accounts with low liquidity like high-interest savings accounts or certificates of deposit.
Read the full article by Stacey Bumpus from Go Banking Rates.
