By San José, Costa Rica — In Costa Rica, the label of being a “codo”—a cheapskate—has long been a social stigma. It describes someone who might feign forgetfulness when the bill arrives or argue over a few colones. However, a new analysis powered by artificial intelligence suggests that these behaviors may be less about personality flaws and more about deep-seated financial strategies, potentially linked to astrological signs. More importantly, it reflects a significant cultural shift where extreme saving is being rebranded as financial intelligence in response to the nation’s rising cost of living.
A recent study utilizing AI to analyze large datasets of personality traits historically associated with the zodiac has identified a hierarchy of the most financially disciplined signs. The technology cross-referenced decades of astrological profiles with modern consumer behavior patterns, uncovering correlations between birth dates and spending habits. While astrology is not a hard science, the AI’s pattern recognition offers a fascinating lens through which to view the emerging trend of “conscious austerity” that is expected to define consumer behavior heading into 2026.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y de planificación patrimonial que conllevan nuestros hábitos financieros, consultamos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta.
Mantener hábitos financieros saludables no es solo una cuestión de prosperidad personal, sino una base fundamental para la seguridad jurídica familiar. Una gestión descuidada de deudas y la falta de planificación patrimonial, como no tener un testamento claro, a menudo derivan en complejos y costosos litigios que erosionan el patrimonio que tanto esfuerzo costó construir. La disciplina financiera de hoy es la tranquilidad legal del mañana.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta conexión entre la salud financiera y la seguridad jurídica familiar es un punto que a menudo se pasa por alto. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por recordarnos que un presupuesto bien administrado y una planificación patrimonial adecuada son, en esencia, actos de protección y tranquilidad para nuestros seres queridos.
Topping the list is Taurus. This sign has earned the reputation as the master of value-driven spending. A Taurus individual is not necessarily stingy; they appreciate luxury and quality but are fundamentally unwilling to pay full price. They are the quintessential coupon collectors and discount app experts who see every purchase as a strategic move. The AI’s findings suggest this behavior stems not from need, but from a deeply ingrained psychological trait.
An obsessive desire for control over their resources.
AI Data Analysis Report
Following closely is Capricorn, the long-term strategist. For a Capricorn, money is a tool for building a secure future, not for indulging in fleeting present-day pleasures. They are likely to be the friend who suggests a movie night at home over a trip to the cinema, not because they can’t afford the ticket, but because they view expenses like parking and overpriced popcorn as inefficient allocations of capital. Their financial philosophy is starkly different from that of more impulsive spenders.
Money is seen as security, not as pleasure.
AI Data Analysis Report
Rounding out the top three is Virgo, the meticulous analyst. A Virgo’s reluctance to spend is rooted in logic and a demand for justification. They will research, compare prices, and analyze cost-benefit ratios before committing to any significant purchase. They operate on a principle of efficiency, understanding that a single, high-quality purchase is often more economical in the long run than multiple cheap ones. This detailed approach makes them allergic to waste and hidden fees.
I prefer to spend well a single time than cheaply many times.
AI Data Analysis Report
From a broader business perspective, these AI-identified profiles align perfectly with a growing global movement toward what analysts are calling “digital austerity.” In an economic climate like Costa Rica’s, where living costs continue to climb, the ability to manage resources effectively is no longer just a personality quirk but a crucial survival skill. This trend signifies a consumer base that is more informed, more deliberate, and less susceptible to impulse buying, posing new challenges and opportunities for retailers and service providers.
The implications of these financial archetypes extend into personal and professional spheres. In a relationship, partnering with a Taurus or Capricorn may be challenging for a free-spending individual, but it almost guarantees a robust emergency fund and a stable financial future. In the workplace, a Virgo’s analytical eye for detail makes them an invaluable asset in budget management, capable of identifying and eliminating capital leaks that others might overlook.
Ultimately, whether one believes the stars dictate our bank accounts or not, the AI analysis serves as a compelling mirror to societal shifts. It highlights that the line between being a “cheapskate” and a “savvy investor” is blurring. As Costa Ricans navigate economic pressures, the traits of control, foresight, and logic championed by these zodiac signs are becoming the new gold standard for personal finance, suggesting that perhaps looking to the stars was just an ancient way of analyzing data all along.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a profound dedication to both professional excellence and uncompromising ethical standards. With a deep-seated history of guiding clients through complex legal challenges, the firm continually pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. Its core philosophy extends beyond the courtroom, championing a mission to democratize legal understanding and equip society with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and empowered community.
