I’m a “Little Lamb”

That's right. When monthly bill time rolls around, I get quiet, preferring to let my husband initiate the paying of them. I'm the most casual (yes, I'll admit it) checkbook balancer you'll ever meet. And, since I'm being honest here, I'll tell you that I cringe at the thought of talking with the bank or creditors about my money over the phone. I'm that girl who has a 401K, but I couldn't tell you how much is saved in it.

According to Susan McCarthy, financial adviser and author of The Value of Money, these characteristics (and a host of others that are too embarrassing to mention) make my money personality a "Little Lamb." Sounds nice.

But, "nice" isn't what you want to be when it comes to your money, notes McCarthy. I need to be assertive. I need to be outspoken. I need to take charge (and not just of the fun money stuff like bargain shopping for new summer sandals ... eh, which I need to do tomorrow!). I need to be an active member in my money matters; not a passive onlooker watching money float in and out of my pocketbook.

To bring it back to animals (as oddly-fitting as it may be) -- instead of a little lamb, I need to be a lively lion. I started working on changing my money personality a few days ago by checking in on my 401K. It was actually a pleasant surprise. And, when bill time comes back around in a few weeks, I will get the ball rolling instead of waiting for that nudge.

Is that a roar I hear?

What's your money personality and would you change it if you could?