Money Habitudes is:
- A money conversation starter that helps people talk about the difficult topic of money in a constructive way.
- A game-like tool that creates a fun, nonjudgmental, non-threatening environment for more open, honest money conversations.
- A hands-on activity that helps to build trust and rapport even when people are anxious or resistant since money is such a personal topic.
- A way to discover one’s habits and attitudes—habitudes—related to money and have instant insights into how, why and when people spend, save, give, invest and go into debt; a money personality test
- A versatile financial, relationship and career resource used by financial and counseling professionals as well as volunteers in community and faith-based programs but easy and effective enough for individuals, couples and parents to use on their own.
Money Habitudes is NOT:
- A budgeting or debt-reduction course. However, when Money Habitudes cards are used to introduce skills-based programs, facilitators credit the activity with getting people to change their behavior and being more actively engaged in following through with their concrete money management skills.
- A diagnostic or evaluative scale or psychological assessment. However, Money Habitudes makes talking about money in a therapeutic setting comfortable. Counselors quickly gain insights into subconscious factors that shape a person’s relationship with money to begin the conversation of how that influences life, career and relationship outcomes. The cards have been researched at Utah State University and are used in many academic and therapeutic settings.
- A rigid, formal program. Although training is available, using the tool does not require certification or licensing fees. The cards are intentionally easy to use. A guide and training DVD are available but users are welcome to use them creatively.