New research shows financial decisions are driven by human emotions. Take this test to see if your cash is driven by your mental state

Why you do what you do with your money is a very tricky question.  But new research shows that the way you behave with your money is most often driven by your emotions rather than rational thinking. Jean Chatzky, financial editor for “Today” and editor-at-large at Money magazine, was invited on the “Today” show to help you figure out how you handle your money with this financial quiz.

d. Strongly disagree

8. Becoming rich is a common goal. Not becoming poor is another. How do you weigh the relative importance of these goals?

c. 60% becoming rich/40% not becoming poor

d. 80% becoming rich/20% not becoming poor

What Type Are You?

Add up your answers.

If you mostly answered A, you’re an Artisan. That means you are freewheeling and daring.  If B, you’re an Idealist.  You care less about money than other goals. If C, you’re a Guardian and you tend to be cautious with your money. And if D, you’re a Rational.  You make most decisions by the numbers.

What does that tell you about yourself?  And what mistakes are you most likely to make?

Traits: You trust your gut where matters of money are concerned.  You enjoy the thrill of investing, act quickly on buying opportunities and are comfortable taking risks.

Most common mistake: You either don’t plan for the long term or lack the discipline necessary to meet the goals you set.

How to fix it: Go ahead and build a portfolio heavy in stocks, but confirm your gut feelings with research and diversify adequately — just in case you’re wrong. And, because you’re not big in self-discipline, guard against your desire to follow every impulse. Make yourself take not one, but two or three deep breaths before you jump.

Most common mistake: Ignoring your money. The fact that you’re not interested in your finances means you probably fail to reach your financial goals.  Why? You don’t set any.  You also often forget to pay bills.

How to fix it:   Sign up for automatic bill payment and online banking.  And put your investing on autopilot.  Elect to have a certain percentage of your money plunked into a 401(k) and discretionary investment account every month.  That will automatically boost your savings.  The bonus: By not obsessing over your portfolio, you’re less likely to follow the crowd in and out of the market at the wrong time.

Guardians

Traits: Disciplined and patient, enjoy organizing and planning ahead.