The 4 Money Scripts We All Picked Up as Kids
The 4 Money Scripts We All Picked Up as Kids
(And that are probably still running your financial life today)
1. Money Avoidance
Core belief: “Money is bad, dirty, or the root of all evil. Wanting more makes you a bad person. Rich people are greedy.”
What it looks like as an adult: Under-earning on purpose, self-sabotage right when money starts flowing, giving it all away, feeling guilty for spending on yourself, or avoiding looking at your bank account altogether.
2. Money Worship
Core belief: “More money = more happiness. If I just had X amount, all my problems would disappear. You can never have enough.”
What it looks like: Compulsive shopping, buying happiness in bursts, hoarding money yet still feeling broke inside, always chasing the next purchase/car/house/vacation thinking “this will finally do it.”
3. Money Status
Core belief: “My net worth = my self-worth. You have to look rich to be respected. People with money are better/smarter/more important.”
What it looks like: Overspending on designer clothes, luxury cars, or anything that screams “I’ve made it,” hiding financial struggles because of shame, risky “get rich quick” moves, judging yourself and others by income or possessions.
4. Money Vigilance
Core belief: “Money requires constant worry, secrecy, and frugality. One wrong move and it’s gone. Never talk about it, never enjoy it.”
What it looks like: Saving obsessively (even when you’re wealthy), extreme anxiety around spending – even on things you need, refusing to celebrate financial wins, being the “rich but cheap” friend or parent. (Ironically, this is the only script linked to higher net worth… but often at the expense of joy.)
Most of us are dominated by ONE (sometimes a blend of two) of these scripts. The good news? Once you spot yours, you can rewrite it đź‘Ś
