Fear of wealth (plutophobia)

It might sound odd to fear money, yet plutophobia, a fear of wealth, can show up as unease about earning more, guilt about having money, or turning down promotions. Some people worry about how being rich might change them. Others fear how friends and family would treat them.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek ploutos, meaning wealth, and has nothing to do with the planet Pluto. It is a rare fear and not a clinical diagnosis, though the attitudes behind it are often discussed as money guilt. It is the opposite of peniaphobia, the fear of poverty.

What it feels like

• Guilt or discomfort when receiving money or praise for success
• Turning down pay rises or opportunities without a clear reason
• Worry that wealth would bring judgement or change friendships

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Can someone really be afraid of having money?

Yes. Beliefs picked up in childhood, such as money being the root of trouble, can leave people uneasy about earning or keeping it. This can quietly hold back careers and plans. Noticing these beliefs is often the first step to changing them.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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