Money Scripts: What Your Childhood Taught You About Wealth (and How It Shows Up Today)

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Money Scripts: What Your Childhood Taught You About Wealth (and How It Shows Up Today)

Some of us save every rupee like we might lose it tomorrow.
Others spend freely, telling ourselves “we deserve it.”
A few avoid thinking about money altogether — until it's too late.

Where does all this come from?
Welcome to the world of Money Scripts — the unconscious beliefs you carry from childhood that quietly shape every financial decision you make.

What Are Money Scripts?

Money scripts are core beliefs about money formed during your early years.
They’re shaped by what you saw, heard, or emotionally absorbed from your parents, teachers, or community.

Examples?

“Money is the root of all evil.”

“More money will solve all my problems.”

“We can’t afford that.”

“Rich people are greedy.”

“Talking about money is rude.”


You may not consciously believe them — but they often drive your behaviour.



The Four Common Money Scripts

According to financial psychologists, most of our behaviours fall under one (or more) of these categories:

1. Money Avoidance
You believe money is bad or undeserved. You avoid budgeting, investing, or looking at your bank balance.



> Childhood memory: Seeing arguments at home every time money was discussed.



2. Money Worship
You think more money will bring happiness. You might overspend, overwork, or chase “the next big thing.”



> Childhood memory: Equating wealth with respect, comfort, or status.



3. Money Status
You link your self-worth with your net worth. The car, the house, the phone — everything becomes a signal.



> Childhood memory: Being praised when dressed well or being ashamed of what you lacked.



4. Money Vigilance
You’re cautious and secretive about money. You save diligently, avoid debt — but may find it hard to enjoy your wealth.



> Childhood memory: Growing up during financial insecurity or being told not to "waste money."




How Money Scripts Shape Your Life Today

Without realizing it, your money script could be:

Holding you back from investing

Causing anxiety when paying bills

Leading to fights with your spouse

Making you feel guilty for spending — or guilty for earning well

Sabotaging your long-term financial health


And because you carry these beliefs into adulthood, they often become your children’s inheritance too.



Breaking Free: Can You Change Your Script?

Yes — but only when you name it.

Ask yourself:

What was my family’s attitude toward money growing up?

What phrases about money do I often repeat in my head?

When I think about wealth, do I feel guilt, pride, shame, or peace?


Awareness is your first tool. After that, consider:

Talking about money openly in your home

Reading books or following financial educators

Working with a financial planner who aligns with your values

Teaching your children emotional as well as financial literacy




Final Action Plan

✅ Identify your dominant money script
✅ Journal a childhood memory connected to money
✅ List 3 financial behaviours you want to shift
✅ Introduce one new money habit (e.g., weekly budget review)
✅ Open the conversation: with your spouse, child, or even a trusted friend


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Comments

  1. DT. Rutuja Rushikesh Shingroop22 October 2025 at 23:28

    Very true... Money should be managed thoughtfully and in a well-planned manner.
    And..
    “Our childhood is always more precious”👍

    ReplyDelete
  2. Archit Sunil Pandharipande23 October 2025 at 20:51

    Thank you Rohit

    ReplyDelete

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