Have you ever found yourself saying things like:
“I’m just bad with money.”
“Money always causes problems.”
“I’ll never be rich, so what’s the point?”
These thoughts may feel true, but they often come from something deeper. They’re called money scripts.
They affect the way we earn, spend, save, and even talk about money, often without us realising.
In this blog, we’ll explain what money scripts are, how they form, and how to start changing the ones that no longer serve you.
What is a money script?
A money script is an automatic belief we carry about money.
They’re usually formed in childhood, based on what we saw, heard, or experienced growing up.
Think of them like a play script; they tell you what to say or do without you thinking about it.
You might not even realise they’re there, but they guide your actions in the background.
Examples of money scripts:
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“More money will make everything better.”
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“Money is the root of all evil.”
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“Rich people are greedy.”
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“If I have money, I should spend it quickly before it runs out.”
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“I don’t deserve nice things.”
Sound familiar?
Where do these beliefs come from?
Money scripts often come from:
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Watching how your parents or carers dealt with money
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Seeing people argue about money
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Growing up without much money, or with more than most
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Cultural or religious teachings
“I grew up seeing my mum struggle with bills. She’d say things like ‘we can’t afford that’ or ‘money doesn’t grow on trees.’ Now, I feel guilty every time I spend, even when I need something.”
- IE Hub User
These early messages become part of your money mindset. Over time, they shape how you treat money, often without you realising.
Why does it matter?
Your money scripts can impact your:
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Spending habits – overspending, guilt after buying, or avoiding spending altogether
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Saving – fear of building savings or a belief that it’s pointless
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Debt – feeling shame about asking for help, or a sense that debt is “normal”
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Relationships – disagreements with partners or family about money values
Understanding your money scripts helps you take back control. It means your past doesn’t have to decide your future.
How to identify your own money scripts
Try asking yourself:
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What were the common money sayings in your home growing up?
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How did your family talk about rich or poor people?
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What emotions come up when you spend or save?
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Do you ever act with money in a way that doesn’t make sense, even to you?
Writing these thoughts down can help spot patterns. You might realise, “I always overspend after payday,” or “I avoid checking my balance because it makes me anxious.”
Can you change your money script?
Yes – but it takes time and self-compassion. Start by:
Noticing the script
When you catch yourself thinking something negative about money, pause. Ask: "Is this always true? Or is it something I learned?"
Rewriting the story
Instead of: “I’m terrible with money.”
Try: “I’m learning how to manage money step by step.”
Try: “I’m learning how to manage money step by step.”
Instead of: “Spending money is bad.”
Try: “Spending can be okay when it supports my needs or wellbeing.”
Try: “Spending can be okay when it supports my needs or wellbeing.”
You don’t have to force positivity. Just focus on being kind to yourself and staying open to new ways of thinking.
Know Yourself, Know Your Money
If you’re interested in understanding your own money mindset more deeply, a great book to check out is Know Yourself, Know Your Money by Rachel Cruze.
It explores how your childhood experiences, what she calls your “money classroom”, shape the way you think, feel, and behave with money as an adult.
It’s a helpful, easy-to-read guide for anyone wanting to understand where their money habits come from and how to build healthier ones.
How IE Hub can help
At IE Hub, we don’t judge. We understand that everyone has their own story when it comes to money. Our free online tool helps you:
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Build a simple budget
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See what help or benefits you could get
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Share your financial situation safely with companies
Many people have unhealthy money scripts. But you can create a new story.
Helpful links
Final thought
Money isn’t just numbers. It’s feelings, memories, beliefs, and habits. Understanding your money scripts is a powerful first step toward changing how you deal with money and how you feel about it.
At IE Hub, we’re here to support you with tools, guidance and a safe space to start fresh. No judgement. Just progress, at your pace.
