Money Scripts Flashcards
(15 cards)
“I like to know where everything is.”
Money Script: “Money = control”
Behavioral Result: Micromanagement, resistance to delegation
Suitable Response:
“That makes sense—having visibility is powerful. What if we designed a system where nothing moves without your sign-off, but you don’t have to manage every gear alone?”
“I should be further along by now.”
Money Script: “More is never enough”
Behavioral Result: Overworking, burnout
Suitable Response:
“Progress isn’t always linear. Can we define what ‘enough’ looks like for you—so we can measure against that instead of an invisible finish line?”
“I don’t talk about finances with my partner.”
Money Script: “Money creates conflict”
Behavioral Result: Avoidance, secrecy
Suitable Response:
“Totally understandable—money touches a lot of emotional ground. If you’d like, I can help facilitate the conversation so it’s about goals, not guilt.”
“I’ve made mistakes before—I’m not good at this.”
Money Script: “I’m bad with money”
Behavioral Result: Shame, procrastination
Suitable Response:
“We’ve all had chapters we’d rewrite. The fact you’re here tells me you’re ready to grow—let’s design a system that fits your learning style, not your past.”
“I’m not used to this much money.”
Money Script: “If I have it, I’ll lose it”
Behavioral Result: Hoarding, underutilization
Suitable Response:
“That’s actually a really wise instinct. What if we built a plan that honors safety first—then grows from a foundation you trust?”
“I was never taught this stuff.”
Money Script: “We don’t talk about money”
Behavioral Result: Hesitation, disempowerment
Suitable Response:
“Honestly, most people weren’t. This is a learning space, not a judgment space. I’m here to translate—not to test you.”
“I should be able to handle this myself.”
Money Script: “Success = independence”
Behavioral Result: Control retention, isolation
Suitable Response:
“You’ve clearly built a lot on your own. What if we look at this as strategy support—not control removal?”
“I’m thinking of cashing out all my RSUs, just to be safe.”
Money Script: “I don’t trust this success yet”
Behavioral Result: Over-caution, tax inefficiency
Suitable Response:
“Totally fair—safety comes first. What if we mapped out what ‘safe’ looks like long-term so we can see which moves protect you without creating a new tax issue?”
“I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
Money Script: “Abundance isn’t real”
Behavioral Result: Defensive planning, limited optimism
Suitable Response:
“That kind of vigilance probably kept you safe at one point. What if we tested how much stability you’ve actually created—so your plan can match reality, not just fear?”
“My family never had this kind of money.”
Money Script: “I don’t belong here”
Behavioral Result: Impostor syndrome
Suitable Response:
“You earned this. What if we focused on building a strategy that honors your story and protects your future—not someone else’s expectations?”
“Is it normal to feel guilty spending this much?”
Money Script: “Money = guilt”
Behavioral Result: Overjustification, restraint
Suitable Response:
“Yes—it’s very common. The key is spending with alignment. Let’s define what meaningful, guilt-free spending looks like for you.”
“I just want to make sure my kids don’t turn out entitled.”
Money Script: “Wealth = threat to values”
Behavioral Result: Avoidance of legacy planning
Suitable Response:
“That’s a strong instinct. What if we built a framework where the plan passes down values, not just assets?”
“I don’t want to rely on anyone.”
Money Script: “Dependency = weakness”
Behavioral Result: Lone-wolf planning
Suitable Response:
“Understood. This isn’t about giving up control—it’s about building the infrastructure so you don’t have to carry it all alone.”
“If I slow down, I’ll lose it all.”
Money Script: “Wealth = hustle”
Behavioral Result: Workaholism, burnout
Suitable Response:
“That drive got you here—but let’s check: is it still the best strategy? We can design a system that lets your wealth keep moving even when you pause.”
“I’m afraid of looking dumb asking questions.”
Money Script: “Financial knowledge = worthiness”
Behavioral Result: Quiet confusion, disengagement
Suitable Response:
“Safe questions are the foundation of strong planning. My job is to make sure nothing stays confusing—on your terms.”
