1. I do not deserve a lot of money when others have less than me.*

  2. More money will make you happier.*

  3. Money buys freedom.*

  4. I would be a nervous wreck if I did not have an emergency fund.*

  5. If something is not considered the “best”, it is not worth buying.*

  6. Rich people are greedy.*

  7. Poor people are lazy.*

  8. If you cannot pay cash for something, you should not buy it.*

  9. It is not OK to have more than you need.*

  10. I will not buy something unless it is new (eg car, house).*

  11. People get rich by taking advantage of others.*

  12. It is important to save for a rainy day.*

  13. You can never have enough money.*

  14. Money would solve all my problems.*

  15. Your self-worth equals your net worth.*

  16. You should always look for the best deal, even if it takes more time.*

Your results

Scores on the four money script categories range from 4 to 24. Higher scores indicate stronger levels of conviction. It is not uncommon to have money scripts that seem at first glance to contradict each other, such as endorsing the belief that “money corrupts people” while also believing, “Things would get better if I had more money.”

Money avoidance: out of 24

Your score on the money avoidance scale suggests that you are not vulnerable to money avoidance beliefs.

Money avoiders believe that money is bad or that they do not deserve it. They believe that wealthy people are greedy or corrupt, and that there is virtue in living with less money.

Because of their negative associations with money and wealth, money avoiders may sabotage their financial success and/or give money away in an unconscious effort to have as little as possible.

Research has shown that money avoidance scripts can be associated with ignoring bank statements, increased risk of overspending, enabling others financially, financial dependence, hoarding, and having difficulty sticking to a budget.

Money worship: out of 24

Your money worship score suggests that you do not endorse significant levels of money worship beliefs.

At their core, money worshippers are convinced that the key to happiness and the solution to all of their problems is to have more money. At the same time, they believe that one can never have enough money. Individuals who score highly in the area of money worship are more likely to have lower income, lower net worth, and credit card debt.

They are also more likely to spend compulsively, hoard possessions, and put work ahead of family. They may give money to others even though they can’t afford it and are more likely to be financially dependent on others.

Money status: out of 24

Your score on the money status scale shows that you do not hold money status beliefs.

Money status seekers see net worth and self-worth as synonymous. They may pretend to have more money than they do and, as a result, are at risk of overspending. They often believe that if they live a virtuous life, the universe will take care of their financial needs. They may have grown up in a household that prioritised the financial aspects of social standing.

Research has shown that people with money status beliefs are at greater risk of overspending, gambling excessively, financial dependence on others, and hiding expenditures from their spouses.

Money vigilance: out of 24

Your money vigilance score indicates that you do not endorse money vigilance beliefs.

The money vigilant are alert, watchful and concerned about their financial welfare. They believe it is important to save and for people to work for their money and not be given financial handouts. Research has found that higher money vigilance scores are positively associated with higher levels of financial health. The money vigilant are less likely to buy on credit. They also have a tendency to be somewhat anxious about their financial future, inspiring them to save. While they have a tendency to be secretive about their financial status with others, they are less likely to keep financial secrets from their partners.

While money vigilance encourages saving and frugality, excessive wariness or anxiety could keep someone from enjoying the benefits and sense of security that money can provide.