Money Avoidance is one of the four Money Scripts identified by Dr. Brad Klontz, characterized by the core belief that money is bad and that you don't deserve it. Individuals with this money script experience feelings of fear, guilt, disgust, or anxiety around money and often hold beliefs that rich people are greedy or that having money makes someone a bad person. Common beliefs include "I don't deserve a lot of money when others have less than me," "Good people should not care about money," "Money corrupts people," and "There is virtue in living with less money."

This script manifests in behaviors such as undercharging for services, avoiding salary negotiations, feeling guilty about spending money on oneself, difficulty accepting gifts from others, and giving money away to ease feelings of guilt. Money Avoidance can significantly limit earning potential, prevent wealth accumulation, and create ongoing financial insecurity despite one's skills or talents.