What Dreams About Money Mean

What Dreaming About Money Might Mean

Are you having dreams about money? Do they involve specific situations, like receiving a gift, winning the lotto or finding cash? Have the dreams been recurring in nature?

If the answer is yes, you wouldn’t be alone. Some of the most common dreams people have are themed around money.

Many folks think they are a sign of good luck. Others believe they foretell the future. I’ve even talked to preachers who claim monetary symbols are a sign from God.

But are any of these interpretations true?

Money Dreams Explored

In my work as a counselor, I’ve had more people share their dream content with me than you can shake a stick at. We’re talking about everything from being chased by monsters to dancing leprechauns.

While I don’t hold myself out to be an expert, I have done enough research around dream symbolism to feel comfortable writing piece.

Oh, as long as we’re having this conversation, you may be wondering who I am? What’s my background? Here’s a brief overview.

I’m a mental health therapist in the state of Illinois. My education includes a doctorate in psychology with certifications in hypnosis and transcendental meditation.

Apart from these things, I also teach college courses at the graduate level in human behavior. You can read more about my bio via this link.

With all of that out of the way, let’s focus on you and those money dreams. That is why you are here, right? From the outset, it’s important I say now that I don’t have all the answers.

The hard truth is nobody does. If anyone tries to convince you otherwise, exercise caution – particularly if they are asking for your credit card.

What is Dream Analysis?

In simple-speak, dream analysis is nothing more than a person exploring dream content and assigning meaning. It’s subjective in nature, meaning the lens through which the individual interprets material is adjusted to fit their belief system.

For example, if you tell a Wiccan you dreamed about finding a $100.00 bill on your bed, they may tell you that the money symbolizes “paying the price” for sexual intimacy.

On the other hand, if you share that same dream with a Freudian analyst, the person may suggest the bill represents a desire for wealth.

Make sense?

My point is you really need to look at a person’s worldview to understand how they arrived at their interpretation. Otherwise, it’s just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo.

Speaking for myself, I am a “here and now” psychotherapist. Mostly pulling from cognitive behavioral therapy, I tend to assess dream material as present-day focused.

That said, it doesn’t mean I’m not integrative. Where it applies, I’ll pull upon various schools of thought, including Jungian psychology, which contains spiritual elements.

I’m sharing this with you because all that follows is based on that eclectic worldview – mixed with teachings from the ancients.

Symbolism of Money in Dreams

Most dream experts believe money symbolizes one or more of the following in dreams:

• Power
• Wealth
• Prosperity
• Self-confidence
• Success
• Happiness
• Wisdom
• Growth
• Good luck
• Spiritualism
• Fear

What I want to share with you right now is this – dreams cannot be taken at face value. In other words, the images you see in a dreamscape almost always have a hidden meaning.

Example: If you have a dream about winning $10,000.00 on a slot machine, the three-red sevens you see may speak to a more youthful time in your life – like when you were 21 (7×3=21).

In this case, seeing the number “21” may be your subconscious trying to gently nudge you to be more carefree.

This point is particularly true if you’ve been experiencing a lot of stress or struggling with anxiety.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t go play the Wheel of Fortune in Vegas. But it is to suggest that all dream symbols have meaning. That’s why I’m urging you to view everything in context.

Are we solid?

At any rate, let’s examine seven common money dreams, framing each experience with the symbolisms mentioned above.

1. Receiving or Winning Money in a Dream

If you have a dream about receiving money, like winning the lottery or finding cash, conventional wisdom suggests it is a sign of good luck.

That very well could be true.

But the money could also represent the need for hope in your life. Are you going through a tough time? Does your situation seem overwhelming?

If so, money may be a psychological manifestation of something tangible to hold on to. A sign that things will get better.

Conversely, the promise of sudden cash could also speak to a deeply held desire for the unexpected – a subconscious hope to move away from the predictable.

If the receiving dream is recurring, like picking the exact numbers appearing on a Powerball ticket, try to remember what those numbers are.

Using mindful meditation, focus on what the digits mean to you. It’s possible they are trying to communicate something. Only you will know what that “something” might be.

Finally, Hellenistic Greeks believed dreams about receiving money were signs from the Gods of good fortune. Does this mean you are about to strike it rich? Only time will tell.

2. Dreams About Being Given Money

Dreams about being given money are important because they represent a spiritual gift. For example, if a stranger (let’s say an old man) appears in your dream and hands you a gold coin, he could be giving you wisdom.

The hint? That’s simple – his age. Symbolically, elderly people are thought to be the purveyors of sacred truth (wisdom). FYI: that person doesn’t have to be a stranger. He or she could be someone you know – even a dead relative.

What’s critical is to focus on who is giving you the money.

But what if the person who hands you cash (or a form of cash like a check) is a child? Does this mean they are imparting something spiritual, too?

The short answer is yes. Almost always, children who appear in dreams bearing the gift of money are sharing unconditional love. And when you think about it, doesn’t this make sense?

In many cases, the imagination will conjure up someone as a symbolic gesture of support. If you are struggling with a difficult decision, an older person may appear to provide wisdom.

Conversely, if you are focusing too much on others while neglecting your own needs, a money-offering child may appear as a reminder to love yourself.

3. Saving Money in Dreams

If you are having dreams about saving money, there can be many different interpretations. A common belief is that the act itself is a projection of anxiety.

In other words, you may hold fears about not having enough cash for the future. During sleep, your subconscious may express this worry through hording coins.

Some people dream about shoveling money into bank vaults or safes. Others report seeing their hand writing a check – to themselves.

Savings dreams are almost always about a deep desire for security and prosperity. The questions you will want to explore are: “Am I worried about my financial future?” and  “Is there someone close to me I’m financially concerned about?”

Knowing these answers may help you to understand what savings themed dreams are all about.

4. Spending Money in Dreams

Are you dreaming about spending money? Do you see yourself buying items with a credit card or cash? Curious about what’s going on?

The truth is it’s hard to know. That’s because spending dreams can be interpreted as “good” or “bad. They fall under the “good” category with the items purchased symbolize personal growth or self-confidence.

Examples of “good” include buying a book (knowledge) or charging grooming products to your credit card (self-confidence). These activities are about renewal and loving yourself.

But if you are buying things that you know are harmful to you, they can symbolize “bad”. Example. If you are an alcoholic with sober-time under your belt, a dream about buying a bottle of whiskey could be a subconscious relapse fear.

The same holds true if you are on a diet. Should you conjure up mental imagery of buying a bag of donuts, the act itself could speak to worries about failure.

So, what’s the bottom line? Focus on what you are spending that cash on. It might even help to keep a dream journal (Bulkeley, 2017).

5. Exchanging Money in Dreams

Are you seeing people exchange money in dreams? Do you see a spouse, friend, or family member giving money to someone you know?

If the answer is yes, that dream could relate to feelings of envy. I’m not saying that is absolutely what’s going on. But I am suggesting that many dream experts believe money hand-offs are about jealousy.

But here is the thing – you can’t focus on coins or other forms of cash being exchanged. Instead, center your awareness on the people. Who is giving and who is receiving.

What feelings come up when you think of these people? Do you believe the giver owes you something but is favoring another? If so, what’s that all about?

Remember earlier when I mentioned that dreams cannot be taken for face value? More than ever, this rules applies to money exchanging dreams.

6. Borrowing Money in Dreams

If your dreams focuses on borrowing money from someone, like a friend or relative, conventional wisdom holds that the dreamer has overextended themselves.

But I’m not so sure about that.

Based on my research, it is my belief that the act of borrowing cash in dreams really speaks to a perceived deficit and not necessarily financial. So, what on earth could it be?

The answer depends on who is being asked for a loan. For example, if it is a friend, this could be your mind’s way of asking for something you perceive they possess that you do not. For example, is your friend mentally tough? Do you wish you held this trait?

And what if you are asking for money from a parent? Well, it’s possible your mind is projecting your mom or dad as symbols of stability at a time when you may feel unstable.

A great question to ask yourself when the act of borrowing pops up in a dream is who is involved and what do they mean to you?

7. Losing money in dreams

The final theme that is present for many dreamers is losing money. In many cases, a person will see themselves losing cash just when they need it most.

Examples include stepping up to a counter to buy a train ticket and realizing you don’t have the money you thought you had. Another common scenario involves misplacing money at a critical juncture, like trying to buy groceries at the market while a long line snakes behind  you. When you reach for the dough, it’s not there.

So, what might be going on here? Many believe these types of dreams speak to subconscious fears of not being prepared. They almost always occur during times of transition, like moving out on your own, getting a new job, or adjusting to a major life change.

Infused with the fear are feelings of shame and embarrassment. If you’ve ever gone to purchase something and had a credit card declined, you know what I mean. The point is losing money in dreams is often about not having enough or not being ready.

If these types of dreamscapes are happening for you, it might be a good idea to explore what these fears are all about. Has this been a regular theme in your life? Do you hold a lot of anxiety about losing control?

Dream Symbolism Book

One thing that might help you to better understand some of the imagery you see in dreams is a book of symbols. There are tons of them on the market.

Personally, I like the Complete Dictionary of Dreams by Dr. Michael Lennox (See Amazon for price). What’s helpful with this resource are the many symbols presented by the author. Simply put, it’s an amazing read!

Dreaming About Money Poll

Just for fun, I am posting an anonymous poll above that focuses on common dreams scenarios involving money. Think of this as an entertainment activity and not something scientific.

Still, the results may offer insight into what other people are dreaming about. If you don’t see the poll above, click on this link.

Myths About Money Dreams

Because so much of dream interpretation is based on myth, I thought it might be helpful to briefly touch on this topic.

For the record, I’m not saying any of these are true or untrue. Instead, I’m merely listing major myths. Most of these can be traced to ancient teachings, old-world culture, and urban legend.

Check it out:

• Winning money in dreams is a sign to play the lottery.
• Dreams about finding money are about opportunity.
• Being gifted money by someone is a sign of love.
• Dreams about snakes and money are a sign of death.
• If you get money from a blue-eyed person, it’s good luck.
• If you lose money in a dream, it’s a bad omen.
• Dreaming about fish relates to cash

Bringing It All Together

Remember, dreams are subjective in nature. Nobody has all the answers. Believe it or not, the most knowledgeable person about your dreamscape is you.

Thanks for stopping by.

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References
Bulkeley, W. (2017, May 27). Keeping a dream journal. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dreaming-in-the-digital-age/201705/keeping-dream-journal

Photo credits: Deposit Photos