The Klontz Money Script Inventory

Have you ever stopped to think about why you manage money the way you do?

Maybe you’re an obsessive saver who feels guilty spending even a dollar, or perhaps you find yourself swiping your credit card a little too freely, convinced that money is meant to be enjoyed. Whatever your financial habits, they didn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, much of our behavior around money is rooted in deeply held beliefs formed during childhood — long before we ever opened a bank account.

Understanding where these beliefs come from and how they affect our financial decisions is the first step to building a healthier relationship with money. That’s where the Klontz Money Script Inventory comes in.

💭 What Is a “Money Script”?

Coined by Dr. Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist, a Money Script is an unconscious belief about money — typically learned early in life — that drives much of our financial behavior as adults. These beliefs are often emotionally charged and tied to our past experiences, especially those from our family or cultural background.

For example:

• If you grew up in a household where money was always tight, you might now believe that money is scarce and should never be spent.
• On the flip side, if you were raised in an environment where wealth was seen as a sign of success, you might feel pressured to spend in a way that projects affluence — even if it means going into debt.

These scripts aren’t inherently good or bad — but left unchecked, they can lead to habits that either support or sabotage your financial goals.

🔎 The Four Core Money Scripts

The Klontz Money Script Inventory breaks down these beliefs into four primary categories:

1. Money Avoidance
   People with this script may believe that money is bad or that they don’t deserve to have it. They may avoid looking at their bank accounts, fear budgeting, or feel uncomfortable talking about finances.
2. Money Worship
   This script reflects the belief that more money will solve all problems and lead to happiness. People with this mindset may overspend or prioritize wealth over emotional and relational wellbeing.
3. Money Status
   Those with a Money Status script tend to link their self-worth with their financial success. They might associate money with social power or use spending to boost their self-image.
4. Money Vigilance
   This is typically seen as the most financially healthy script. It includes a tendency to be alert, careful, and frugal with money — but taken to an extreme, it can lead to anxiety or an inability to enjoy financial success.

🧠 Why Knowing Your Script Matters

Knowing your Money Script gives you insight into how you emotionally relate to money — and how those feelings drive your day-to-day decisions. By identifying the beliefs you’ve carried with you, you can start to challenge the ones that are holding you back and reinforce the ones that serve you well.

For example:

• A “money avoider” might benefit from working with a financial counselor to face fears and build a proactive plan.
• A “money worshipper” might benefit from reframing their view of happiness and success to include values beyond wealth.

At Superior Credit Union, we believe financial wellness starts with self-awareness. That’s why we encourage our members to explore their money mindset using tools like the Klontz Money Script Inventory.

📝 Take the Free Quiz

Ready to uncover your own Money Script?
You can take the free Klontz Money Script Inventory here:
👉 https://www.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstest

It only takes a few minutes, and the insights could last a lifetime.

Need help improving your relationship with money?
Stop by any of our three Superior Credit Union branches to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We're here to help you turn insight into action — and build a financial future you can feel confident about.