Ability to save 'depends on side of your brain you think with'

Researchers have found those who use the right side of the brain -- typically creative and impulsive types -- have a carefree "live for today" attitude, credit card debts and no savings, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

But deeper thinkers, who use the left side of brain -- careful and logical types -- are more comfortable managing their finances, the study found.

For the study, the researchers at Hertfordshire University asked 500 adults a brainteaser. They examined their answers and found that only one in three people got the answer right.

Most of these were "reflectors" -- who think with the left-side of the brain. Many of the people got the question wrong were "intuitors", people who tend to use the right-side of the brain.

When participants who gave the wrong answer were asked about their money, it was found they had fewer savings, credit card debt and a lax attitude to money management.
Lead researcher Prof Karen Pine said: "Reactive people can't suppress the first answer that springs to mind. They're the kind of people who live for the moment and avoid putting effort into anything that doesn't bring short-term gain.
"This can be linked to poor money management, such as only making the minimum repayment on a credit card. Intuitors might feel dissatisfied with their bank, too, but don't change it. This is irrational given how much choice there is now and the cash incentives for switching."

The report of the study also showed 43 per cent of "intuitors" had been with the same bank since leaving school. For some, this was 30 years ago or longer.
The study also revealed that almost one in four 'reflectors' had changed where they bank at least twice, while 43 per cent of "intuitors" had never changed bank.
It also emerged twice as many "intuitors" than "reflectors" pay off only the minimum on their credit cards and 87 per cent of "reflectors" have money in savings compared to 70 per cent of "intuitors".