By 
We’ve all seen it: the friend who is always broke, the one chasing flashy purchases he can’t afford, or the guy who jumps into risky ventures without thinking things through.
It’s easy to blame bad luck or circumstances, but more often than not, these patterns point to a deeper issue—low financial intelligence.
And here’s the kicker: most men who fall into this trap don’t even realize it.
Today, we’re breaking down 7 behaviors that men with low financial intelligence almost always display.
Think you’re in the clear? Let’s find out.
1. Living paycheck to paycheck
Are you always waiting for your next paycheck to refill your bank account?
If so, it’s cause for concern.
Sure, some people truly need every penny they earn just to get by. But for most of us, living paycheck to paycheck isn’t about necessity—it’s about poor financial habits.
Whether it’s overspending on non-essentials or failing to plan, this cycle leaves no room for savings, emergencies, or opportunities to grow your wealth.
Breaking free starts with tracking your expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, and prioritizing saving. Small changes can make a big difference over time—if you’re willing to make them.
2. Ignoring the importance of an emergency fund
Let me tell you a little story. I had a friend named Tom. Tom was a real easy-go-lucky kind of guy, loved to live in the moment. He earned a decent income, but never saw the need to save.
“Why save for tomorrow when I can enjoy today?” he’d often joke.
However, one day he found himself in a financial bind. His lack of savings not only added stress to an already difficult situation but also made him realize the importance of having a safety net.
That’s the thing about savings; it’s like an umbrella – you might not need it every day, but when it rains, you’ll be glad you have it.
Financial experts suggest having 3-6 months of living expenses put aside for such rainy days. If you don’t, this should be your number one goal.
3. Not making financial goals
As famed author Zig Ziglar once said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” This quote rings especially true when it comes to financial planning.
Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift through life financially, spending on whatever feels urgent or appealing in the moment. This often leads to wasted opportunities and a lack of progress. Goals provide direction and purpose, helping us prioritize and make smarter decisions with our money.
Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, paying off debt, or building a retirement fund, having specific, measurable financial goals keeps us focused and accountable.
You don’t have any?
Don’t stress. Start by identifying what’s important to you, then break it down into actionable steps.
Even small goals can build momentum. Once you have a plan, sticking to it becomes much easier—and every dollar you manage wisely brings you closer to achieving what truly matters.
4. Buying things just to impress others
Financial expert Dave Ramsey once noted, “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” This couldn’t be more true for these men.
Whether it’s splurging on a Rolex with the last cash in their account or financing a car they can’t realistically afford, they’re all about projecting a certain image—often at the expense of long-term stability.
The harsh reality? Nobody cares about their fancy watch or car as much as they think they do. In fact, the people they’re trying to impress likely have their own financial worries or couldn’t care less about what they own.
Instead of chasing validation through material possessions, financially clever people focus on building wealth quietly. True confidence comes from financial security, not flashy purchases.
5. Avoiding discussions about money
Picture this: You’re at a dinner party, and the topic of investments comes up. Everyone is sharing their experiences and strategies, but you find yourself sinking lower in your chair, hoping nobody asks for your input. Sound familiar?
Avoiding discussions about money is a behavior that’s often displayed by men with low financial intelligence. They feel uncomfortable discussing their finances, whether it’s due to embarrassment, fear of judgment, or simply because they don’t understand the subject.
But here’s the deal – if you want to improve your financial intelligence, you have to be willing to talk about money.
It’s through these discussions that you can learn from others’ experiences, gain insights, and even get new ideas for managing your own finances. Next time money matters come up in conversation, don’t shy away. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and most importantly – listen and learn.
6. Impulse buying
Here’s a shocking fact for you: A study conducted by Capital One revealed that the average consumer spends $281 a month on impulse purchases. Yes, that’s more than $3,000 a year on unplanned buys.
While a coffee here or a sale item there might seem harmless, these small, unplanned expenses quickly add up and derail financial goals.
The key to combating impulse purchases is mindfulness. Before buying something, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Wait 24 hours before making any non-essential purchase to give yourself time to reconsider.
Better yet, set a monthly budget for discretionary spending and stick to it.
Every dollar you resist spending impulsively is a dollar that can go toward something meaningful—your savings, investments, or a future goal. Good financial health is built on intentional decisions, not spur-of-the-moment splurges.
7. An unwillingness to learn about finances
Perhaps the biggest sign of a lack of financial intelligence is an unwillingness to learn about money.
As Warren Buffett once said, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” Managing finances, investing, and building wealth are not typically skills taught in school, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. With countless free resources—podcasts, YouTube channels, blogs, and even online courses—financial education has never been more accessible.
Want to learn how to budget, invest, or get out of debt? A quick search can connect you to step-by-step guides or expert advice tailored to your goals.
The key is to approach it with an open mind. If you don’t understand how interest rates work, how to read a credit report, or how to build a diversified investment portfolio, don’t let that stop you.
Start small. Ask questions. Commit to learning something new every day
The bottom line
Are any of the habits we’ve discussed holding you back?
Well, the good news is that every single one of them can be unlearned and replaced with better ones. By taking small, consistent steps toward understanding and improving your financial habits, you’ll not only gain control over your money but also create a foundation for long-term success and stability.
So, where will you start? Will you set a budget, begin saving, or finally tackle that financial book you’ve been meaning to read?
The journey to financial freedom begins with a single decision: the choice to take control. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll reap the rewards.
Here’s to smarter habits and a brighter financial future!