Our finances, directly and indirectly, dictate many things: our credit score, whether or not we can take a vacation after the bills are paid, what kind of home or vehicle we can afford, if we can qualify for a loan, the list goes on and on. Whether we like it or not, money rules our lives.

The sad truth is, 72 percent of Americans report being recently stressed by their finances. A whopping 22 percent claim they have dealt with extreme stress in the past month. In fact, money is a more common stressor for Americans than work, the economy, family responsibilities, and personal health concerns.

If you’re tired of stressing about money as many Americans are and are ready to get a grip on your finances, the following eight personality traits of financially-stable individuals will give you a greater idea of what it takes to be good with your money.

1.Responsible

One of the first personality traits of folks with a grip on their finances that comes to mind is responsibility. To be responsible with your finances is to be on top of bills and remember to pay them on time, to begin with.

Being responsible with finances also involves having control over your money in terms of spending habits. A financially-irresponsible individual, however, might be lazy when it comes to paying their bills before their due date and may spend money on luxuries when they don’t currently have the funds to do so.

2. Future-Driven

Many younger individuals prefer to “live in the moment.” While staying grounded in the present is essential when it comes to enjoying each day and keeping stress-free, this type of thinking can lead to bad finances. To only think about the moment means you are more likely to make poor financial decisions that could affect your very near future.

Thinking about the future in general as well as your future financial goals can help you lead on a more financially-sound path where saving money is a priority. As an example, future-driven individuals may be less likely to buy-now-pay-later (i.e., make purchases with a credit card) than one who lives merely moment-by-moment.

3. Consistent

You can’t be paying your bills on time and saving money one month and then the next month be blowing money like there’s no tomorrow, and in turn, not having enough money left over to pay your bills. (Well, you can, but you won’t have consistent finances!)

Achieving consistent finances involves having a consistent mindset when it comes to how you spend money, save money, and pay your bills on time. To be consistent also involves gaining control over financial and personal obstacles that might affect how much money you have.

4. Organized

As many would agree, the organization plays a major role when it comes to managing finances. This can involve the organization of bills, past credit card and bank statements for a personal record, and other important financial records and paperwork. A financial organization can also come in the form of money management and financial goals.

For some people, keeping their finances organized and in order is not necessarily the easiest task. However, it is possible. Check out the Commerce Trust Company website if you’re interested in receiving tips for wealth management based on your current financial situation and your long-term goals.

5. Realistic

Although we may all have our head in the clouds from time to time, we also must have a grip on reality, and in this case, on our finances. When one is not realistic about their finances, they may not take money seriously and may make bad decisions with how they spend their cash.

However, someone with a realistic mindset will know it isn’t logically sound to book a $1,500 vacation right before property taxes are due. One who is realistic will also be sensible when it comes to deciding how much they will be able to spend as pocket cash and how much money needs to be reserved for bills, savings, and the like.

6. Strong-Willed

Being strong-willed involves being determined to do something, or even avoiding doing something, even if the majority are doing the opposite. One who has a strong will should be able to say no not only to others but also to themselves when their desires don’t match up to what is logical at the moment.

When out shopping with friends, a strong-willed individual might be very choosy with what they decide to purchase, even though their friends are blowing money left and right. Likewise, a strong-willed person will have the strength to put down a shirt they like when they realize they can’t afford it.

7. Modest

Modesty is an important trait to have when it comes to saving money. A conservative spender will likely have both a comfortable savings and emergency fund, just as anyone should. They are also more likely to make wise spending and saving choices and are better able to see the risks attached to every financial move they make.

Modest spenders may prefer to shop at a discount or secondhand stores instead of a high-end, luxury shop if it means they can save more money. Modest spenders might also be less likely to spend large amounts of cash at once, rely on credit cards or loans, or buy things spontaneously without thinking of the would-ifs.

8. Proactive

Someone with poor finances is more likely to procrastinate and slack off when it comes to, say, paying bills on time. Those who are prone to procrastination may have difficulty with prioritization or may have trouble with time management, according to Good Therapy. Others might just have a more laissez-faire approach to money.

No matter the reason one might procrastinate with their finances, being proactive instead can help on stay on top of their debts as they act on things quickly rather than wait until the last minute to suffer the consequences.

Conclusion

With several bills, taxes to pay, and other necessary expenses from gasoline to groceries, staying on top of your finances while staying mentally sane is not always easy. In fact, statistics show that most of us stress about our finances, probably more than we should.

Although some people are naturally better at spending and saving money, others struggle with the concepts. However, putting in the effort to become more responsible, future-driven, consistent, modest, realistic, strong-willed, proactive, and organized, you can train yourself to become more money-savvy.

Regardless of what personal changes you make to gain better finances, an important takeaway is that a balanced mindset is a key to getting a firm grip on your financial present and future.