Are You a “financial Mutant”? (and Why Should You Be Like That)
In the world of personal finance, I see the word “financial mutant” a lot. It sounds ominous, but using the word “mutant” here is a good thing. These are not ordinary people who save or spend money—they are people with certain habits and mindsets that make them unusually skilled with money. So what is a financial mutant and could you be one without even knowing it?
What is a financial mutant?
Brian Preston of The Money Guy coined the term “financial mutant” to describe people who “focus on what’s important and ignore everything else.” In this video , Preston says that if you could explain what a financial mutant is in simple terms, it would be “delayed gratification” or “the ability to sacrifice a little today for a better tomorrow.”
The term has become a catchall to describe a person who has developed a sophisticated understanding of money management. They understand when it makes sense to be frugal and when it is appropriate to spend. Unlike strict budgeters or impulsive spenders , money mutants have a flexible approach to money that adapts to different life stages and circumstances.
The Financial Mutant Mindset
Financial mutants think about money differently. They do not adhere to rigid rules and do not succumb to social pressure to spend . Instead, they recognize the true value of purchases that goes beyond just price. They can scale down and are willing to make financial compromises, such as understanding how to have good debt .
Key traits of a financial mutant include:
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Adaptive Spending Habits
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Values-based decision making
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Long-term financial vision
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Comfort with financial fluidity
Are you a financial mutant?
You may be a financial mutant if:
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You can comfortably switch between frugal and lavish spending depending on the situation.
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You make purchasing decisions based on value, not just price.
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You are not afraid to spend money on things that are truly important to you, even if they seem luxurious to others.
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You can adapt your financial strategy as life circumstances change.
How to become a financial mutant
Again, “money mutant” is just a fancy way of identifying people who have a healthier, smarter money mindset than most. Here are some small ways to become a financial mutant with the resources to start your journey now:
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Develop financial self-awareness : Understand your spending reasons, financial fears, and long-term goals. You should consider asking yourself some tough questions about the roots of your relationship with money .
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Practice intentional spending . Before every purchase, ask yourself whether it aligns with your values and goals. Physically write down the things you want to buy before you buy them and learn to differentiate between the price and value of your purchases.
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Get financial education : Stay educated about personal finance, investing, and economic trends. These free courses are a great place to start.
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Challenge financial norms : Question conventional wisdom about money and find what works best for you. Be prepared to adjust your financial strategies as your life evolves. For example, don’t let these myths stop you from investing .
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Plan for the long term : While you may be able to adapt in the short term, always keep your long-term financial health in mind. For example, here are all the types of retirement accounts you can use.
Bottom line
Combining the best aspects of frugality with smart spending and long-term thinking, financial mutants know how to practice delayed gratification. Whether you’re already a financial mutant or aspiring to become one, remember that the key is flexibility, continuous learning, and aligning your financial decisions with your personal values and goals. If you need a professional opinion to review and manage your debts, consult a financial advisor or even a financial therapist.