Money Scripts

Money scripts are unconscious beliefs we hold about money that affect our financial well-being. 

Money scripts are grouped into four subtypes:

Money Avoidance

Money avoidance is the belief that money is inherently bad or undeserved. Using or even thinking about money can lead to feelings of discomfort. Those with money avoidance beliefs may unconsciously seek out ways to get rid of money or not use it. Higher money avoidance scores have been associated with lower income and net worth levels and are more common among younger people.

Money Worship

Money worship is the belief that more money will solve all your problems or improve your quality of life. High money worship scores have been associated with compulsive hoarding, gambling, overspending, and workaholism. Money worship beliefs can lead to excessive risk-taking and debt, and higher scores are also common with younger people and those with lower incomes.

Money Status

Money status beliefs link net worth to self-worth and lead people to compare themselves with others, financially. Higher scores with money status beliefs are associated with materialism, overspending, and the chasing of get-rich-quick schemes. Money status beliefs are more prevalent among those without college educations and those who self-identify as having a financially disadvantageous background.

Money Vigilance

Money vigilance is one of the more common money beliefs. It is the belief that the use and discussion of money ought to be guarded and discrete. People with money vigilance beliefs may be seen as frugal or even miserly. Higher money vigilance scores tend to be more prevalent among older adults and are associated with distrust and financial anxiety.