Deprivers

True
False

I am always broke.

True
False
I feel unworthy if given a promotion or other form of recognition.

True
False
Even though I have a low-paying job, I often take my work home or put in lots of unpaid overtime.

True
False
I often dream about ways to make more money.

True
False

I lose valuable items.

True
False
Each time I feel as if I'm getting ahead, something happens to put me back on square one.

True
False
If I enjoy what I do, like fixing cars, sewing or painting, I can't charge for it.

True
False
I do not feel capable of handling my money.

True
False
I'm not willing to buy into the system and give up my freedom.

True
False

Money just isn't important.

Why does the Depriver constantly sabotage her efforts to get ahead financially? She may feel undeserving. She may prefer that people do not expect too much from her. She may not know a lot about finances or is unwilling to make an effort to learn. To her, money is incomprehensible. Or perhaps it is dirty. To some, having money will make them spiritually bankrupt or politically incorrect. They think it is virtuous to be broke. Or perhaps they simply want to stay within their peer group, believing that rich people are greedy, arrogant, power-mad and selfish. To want money is to want all those other characteristics.

Some Deprivers seem to want to achieve financial security. They are dreamers, thinking of ways to get money, working out elaborate schemes to make their fortunes. Unfortunately, they never quite get the plane off the ground. They procrastinate or sabotage themselves. Or perhaps they fear failure and rejection in the face of their parents' obsession with money.

Another reason for depriving themselves is to avoid the grief of loss that will accompany failure. Remaining poor feels safer. By not drawing attention to themselves, they can avoid being hurt. If they achieve success, others will envy them and want to hurt them.