M
oney dysmorphia is a term used to describe a state of mind where someone views money in an unhealthy way. It’s when someone has an irrational fear of money or is afraid of it for the wrong reasons. This makes it hard for them to manage their money and plan for their future. Working with your finances can be scary if you have negative associations with money from your past. But once you understand that money is just a tool and not the end goal, you’ll feel much better about it. If you identify with any of these signs, you might have some degree of money dysmorphia. Read on to discover more about what this means and how to tackle it head-on.
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What is money dysmorphia?
Money dysmorphia is a term that describes a problematic relationship between money and self-esteem. It is most common in young people, but it can occur in anyone at any time. The symptoms of money dysmorphia include:
People with money dysmorphia may have low self-esteem and feel ashamed of their financial situation. They may also have unrealistic expectations about their career or financial future. People with money dysmorphia are also likely to feel an intense desire for more money. Some may abuse alcohol or other drugs to cope with the negative feelings caused by their high expectations and lack of self-confidence.
Because money dysmorphia can affect anyone, it’s essential to take steps to improve your financial situation. Talk to a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling with low self-esteem or feelings of shame. You can also work on improving your budgeting skills and developing better financial habits.
Signs that you have money dysmorphia
Money dysmorphia is a term that’s gaining traction in personal finance circles. It’s most commonly used to describe the distorted views that many people have about money. In other words, it’s an issue that makes it hard for people to see clearly when it comes to their finances. We often hear from people with dysmorphia about how they are the exception to the rule. But if we look closely at their experiences, we can see that money dysmorphia is very common and comes in many different forms. Here are some of the most common indicators that you have money dysmorphia:
You have unrealistic expectations about money.
If you have money dysmorphia, you will likely have very high expectations about how quickly you can make money. If you think you can make thousands of dollars working a few hours a week, you might suffer from money dysmorphia. If you believe you’ll be able to make a fortune online with no effort, you may have money dysmorphia. If you think that you’re guaranteed to make money by investing in cryptocurrencies, you might have money dysmorphia. If you believe that you’ll get a raise every year, that you’ll get a huge inheritance, or that you can make a lot of money by running your own small business, you might have money dysmorphia. If you think that you can make a lot of money with no education or experience, or if you feel that you don’t have to work hard for money, you may be struggling with money dysmorphia.
You believe that you’ll get rich quickly.
If you believe that you’ll get rich by investing in penny stocks or that you can win the lottery, you could have money dysmorphia. If you think that you’ll get a considerable inheritance, win a lawsuit, or get a big bonus at work, you might have money dysmorphia. If you believe that you’ll get a lot of money by getting a side hustle or starting your own business, you may have money dysmorphia. If you think that you can make a lot of money by investing in cryptocurrencies, you might have money dysmorphia. If you believe you can make a lot of money by investing in real estate, you might have money dysmorphia. If you think that you can become a millionaire by investing in penny stocks, you may have money dysmorphia.
You constantly feel anxious about money.
If you regularly feel anxious and stressed about money, you may have money dysmorphia. If you constantly worry about your finances (e.g., you feel like you’ll never be able to retire or will never be able to pay off your debts), you might have money dysmorphia. If you constantly feel like you don’t have enough money or that you’re running out, you may have money dysmorphia. If you think you have to make a lot of money as soon as possible to make up for something that you did, you might have money dysmorphia. If you feel like you have to make a lot of money to prove that you’re good at what you do, you might have money dysmorphia.
You use the money to fill an emotional void in your life.
If you use the money to try to make up for childhood wounds or unmet emotional needs, you could have money dysmorphia. People with this condition often try to avoid contacting others because they believe there will be an argument about how much they spend on themselves daily. Hence, they stay home and shop online instead of going to public places where they could be embarrassed by their spending.
You may also feel like you are missing out on life by not buying things that other people have or by not spending the money on something you want but would save up for. However, it is essential to remember that money is a tool, and it is your responsibility to use it best for you and your life goals.
You view money as absolutes.
If you see money in absolute terms, like rich or poor or winner or loser, you may have money dysmorphia. If you see yourself as either a winner or a loser depending on your money, you may have money dysmorphia. If you see yourself as either rich or poor depending on how much money you have, you may have money dysmorphia. If you see people as either rich or poor depending on how much money they have, you may have money dysmorphia. Finally, if you view money in terms of morality (e.g., rich people are greedy, poor people are lazy), you may have money dysmorphia.
You feel constantly stressed about money.
You have difficulty trusting that things will work out, and you’re constantly fixated on what could go wrong. You might feel like you don’t have enough money, even when earning a good salary. And even if you do have enough money, you might not feel like it’s enough. You may be very aware of every dollar in and out of your life. If you have money dysmorphia, you may constantly be worrying about money and how it will affect your future, even if you have a lot of it now. Money dysmorphia can be a severe issue and cause significant stress and anxiety.
Your spending habits are not rational.
If you feel like you must buy things you don’t need, you may have money dysmorphia. If you feel like you have to “keep up with the Joneses” (e.g., you have to have a more excellent car than your neighbors), you might have money dysmorphia. If you feel like you have to spend money to feel better about yourself, you may have money dysmorphia. If you think you have to spend money to belong to a particular group, you might have money dysmorphia.
You experience a lot of cognitive dissonances.
If you experience a lot of internal conflict about money, you may have money dysmorphia. For example, if you continually contradict yourself about money (e.g., you say you want to retire early, but then you keep taking on new debt), you may have money dysmorphia. In addition, if you continually contradict yourself about how you make money (e.g., you say you want to make money online but then keep working a high-paying job that you hate), you may have money dysmorphia.
You think you’re a financial failure no matter what you do.
If you feel like you’re a financial failure, no matter what you do, you may have money dysmorphia. If you feel like you’re a loser, no matter how much money you make or save, you might have money dysmorphia. If you feel like you’re a winner, no matter how little money you drive or how much you spend, you might have money dysmorphia. Money dysmorphia is a serious issue that many people struggle with. If you identify with any signs above, you may be working with money dysmorphia. If you think that you might have money dysmorphia, don’t be too hard on yourself. It is a common issue many people struggle with and can be treated.
Why does money dysmorphia happen?
There are many reasons why someone might have money dysmorphia. Here are a few examples: Money was a source of stress in your childhood. When you were growing up, your parents might have gone through a divorce, lost their job, or had other financial issues that scared you. This might have created an association between money and negative feelings. Second, money is a source of anxiety in your adult life. You might have had a negative experience with money, such as getting into debt, or you might be stressed about the future. This could cause you to feel anxious about your finances. Third, money is a source of shame for you. If you grew up in a religious or cultural background that demonizes debt, or if you have a history of making bad financial decisions, you might feel ashamed of your current financial situation.
How to deal with money dysmorphia
If you are dealing with money dysmorphia, it’s time to take control of your finances. Here are some tips to help you overcome this fear:
Create a budget: You need to know where your money will take charge. A budget will help you track your spending and identify areas where you can cut back.
Create a savings plan: If you feel you have too much debt or are worried about getting into more, a savings plan can help you get ahead of it.
Seek help from a financial advisor: If you need more help managing your money, consider talking to a financial advisor who can help you put a solid plan in place.
Get out of your head: Spend time away from your finances and focus on yourself.
Steps to take control of your money
When it comes to taking control of your money and making sure you don’t have money dysmorphia, here are three things to keep in mind:
Money is just a tool. Yes, having some money in the bank is essential, but it’s not the end goal. The end goal is to lead a happy, fulfilled life. Money is necessary because it gives you the freedom to pursue your passions and live the life you want to live.
Stay optimistic about money. Thinking about why you have money dysmorphia can help you tackle it. When you feel negative emotions toward cash, take a step back and think about the bigger picture.
Be mindful of others’ finances. If you are someone who constantly asks others about their finances, you might have money dysmorphia. There’s a difference between being curious and being nosy.
Final Thoughts on What Is Money Dysmorphia?
Money dysmorphia is an actual condition that can impact your life. It can have an impact on your self-esteem, your relationships, and your ability to buy things you need. It can keep you from making plans and filing away the items you want to do. It can even make you feel depressed. It can impact you even if you don’t have much money. If you think you have money dysmorphia, you’re not alone. You must talk to a professional to get support and guidance.
Do you want to learn more about “What Is Money Dysmorphia?” Check out Building a Wealth Mindset: The Ultimate Guide.
Also, check out the Best Books on Personal Finance.

James is the editor-in-chief at wealthmindsetschool.com. James is a workaholic and an entrepreneur who has been in the tech industry for over ten years. He has worked with Microsoft, owns multiple websites, and now owns a mattress shop. Furthermore, when he has time left over, he will be in his woodworking shop building furniture as a side hustle. James has a B.S. in Business Management Information Systems and a Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Executive Leadership, and once he completes that, he will pursue his Ph.D. in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship. James also seeks investment opportunities, putting his money to work instead of himself. James is an active believer that wealth begins with developing a wealth mindset. He now teaches, instructs, and helps others achieve that goal.