The 4 Money Archetypes That Shape Your Financial Life
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Welcome to Mind Over Money, a weekly newsletter where I share actionable ideas to help you transform your relationship with money to build financial confidence and independence.
Today's topic: Money Archetypes
A few weeks ago, I shared two stories from my own life.
In the first, I talked about the night I showed up to dinner with friends carrying my first designer handbag, a gift to myself after finally hitting six figures. I should’ve felt proud. But instead, I tucked it under the table and lied about how I got it. I was embarrassed. Guilty, even.
In another moment, I shared how I once got upgraded to first class on a flight home after months of brutal consulting travel. I didn’t pay for the seat—it was a frequent flyer perk that I had earned. And yet, I spent the entire flight shrinking in my seat, wondering if everyone could tell I didn’t belong.
Two different moments. Two very familiar feelings: shame, discomfort, and fear of not belonging.
The handbag moment? That’s Money Status—a money archetype rooted in the belief that my self-worth is tied to what I earn, wear, or display, and fear of being judged when I show it.
The upgrade moment? That’s Money Avoidance—the belief that I didn’t deserve something nice, even when I’d clearly earned it.
My dominant money archetype is Money Status, but Money Avoidance also whispers in my ear. And that’s true for all of us—we each tend to have a dominant archetype and one or two subtypes that show up in different contexts.
Today, I want to help you get curious about your money archetype—because understanding the “why” behind our financial decisions is the first step to transforming our relationship with money.
These aren’t just ideas—they’re deeply ingrained beliefs.
Let’s dig into the 4 Money Archetypes—a framework that reveals the hidden beliefs shaping your money decisions.
The 4 Money Archetypes, Explained
Money Archetypes is a framework developed by financial psychologists Dr. Brad Klontz and colleagues that explains why smart, capable people often make baffling money decisions.
Their research-backed model reveals four dominant money beliefs, distilled into four core archetypes. These beliefs form an invisible script about money that is formed in childhood, influenced by what we saw, heard, and experienced. They quietly shape how we earn, spend, save, and relate to money.
The good news is, once you name them, you can change them. Understanding yours can unlock why you do what you do with money—and show you a path toward change.
1. Money Avoidance: The Quiet Resister
If you’ve ever thought, "I’d rather not deal with money," or "Rich people are selfish," you may resonate with this archetype.
Money Avoiders often carry the belief that money is inherently bad or morally suspect. They may feel guilt when they earn more than loved ones or discomfort when talking about money at all. Some avoid checking their bank balance, delay financial planning, or give away money impulsively—almost as if they’re trying to rid themselves of the discomfort it brings.
This archetype is common in people raised in environments where money was a source of stress, conflict, or inequality. Even as adults, they might subconsciously hold onto the belief that good people should live simply, and that wanting wealth is greedy.
👉 Signature signs: Avoiding bank statements, chronic under-earning, giving away money, associating wealth with corruption.
2. Money Worship: The Eternal Chaser
Money Worshippers live with the constant feeling that if they just had a little more, everything would be better. Their core belief is that money brings happiness, freedom, and solutions to life’s problems.
But here’s the trap: the more they chase money, the more elusive peace feels.
They may engage in emotional spending, fall for get-rich-quick schemes, or make risky financial choices hoping for a shortcut to success. Even when income increases, their anxiety around money doesn’t go away—it just shifts to the next thing they think they need.
This archetype often stems from scarcity in childhood or messages that financial success equals personal success. There’s usually a deep longing for security, but the focus stays on accumulation rather than internal stability.
👉 Signature signs: Compulsive spending, stress about never having enough, overworking, financial burnout.
3. Money Status: The Performer
For the Money Status archetype, money isn't just a resource—it’s an identity.
People with this script believe that their value as a person is directly tied to how much they earn, own, or display. A new car, a designer outfit, a job title—these are more than purchases or achievements. They're signals of worthiness.
They may judge others (or themselves) based on material success, and spend money to "keep up" even when they can’t afford to. This often leads to cycles of debt, secrecy, or emotional stress behind the scenes.
Many Money Status individuals grew up in environments where status mattered, or where money was used as a substitute for love, approval, or attention. Their internal dialogue often says, "If I’m successful, I’ll be loved."
👉 Signature signs: Overspending on appearances, keeping up with others, hiding financial realities, feeling "not enough" without external validation.
4. Money Vigilance: The Protector
Money Vigilance is the archetype most often praised—and misunderstood.
Vigilant individuals are the ones with spreadsheets, savings accounts, and strong boundaries around spending. They believe in living below their means, planning for the future, and never discussing money publicly.
This archetype comes with many strengths: financial discipline, low debt, and high awareness. In fact, studies show Money Vigilance is the only archetype positively correlated with financial health outcomes like net worth.
But vigilance can slide into anxiety. These individuals may struggle to enjoy their wealth, feel ashamed to spend on themselves, or isolate themselves by being secretive. Often, they grew up in households where money was scarce or tightly controlled.
👉 Signature signs: Reluctance to spend, secrecy around finances, high anxiety about "running out," discomfort with financial risk.
What's Next?
Over the next four weeks, I’ll unpack each archetype in depth, so you can learn to shift your mindset and reclaim your financial narrative.
If you're not on the list yet, subscribe now so you don’t miss a single insight.
Meanwhile, if you don't know your money archetype, take the quiz to discover yours:
Your money script has been influencing you for years—whether you knew it or not.
Let’s name your beliefs, so you can start rewriting your money story—on your terms.