Explore the 8 Financial Archetypes

Inspired by Brent Kessel’s It’s Not About the Money, the Mona Assessment reveals the eight core financial archetypes that shape our relationship with money. Each archetype carries a unique core story and a set of defining thoughts—helping you gain a deeper understanding of your own financial behavior.

The Guardian

Rooted in survival mode, the Guardian’s core story is driven by the need to secure and protect. Every decision is influenced by a deep-seated fear of scarcity.

  • Core Thought: "I must always be prepared for the worst."
  • Early Imprint: Experiences of instability instill a relentless drive to safeguard every resource.
  • Challenge: Learning to release fear and embrace abundance.

The Pleasure Seeker

Driven by the pursuit of immediate gratification, the Pleasure Seeker chases joy and excitement as a means to momentarily fill inner voids.

  • Core Thought: "I need to experience pleasure right now."
  • Underlying Belief: Instant gratification is the antidote to inner emptiness.
  • Challenge: Recognizing that fleeting pleasure cannot substitute for lasting fulfillment.

The Idealist

The Idealist struggles with the tension between lofty ideals and the practical demands of life. Money is often seen as a necessary evil that compromises personal values.

  • Core Thought: "Money seems corrupting, yet I need it to realize my dreams."
  • Inner Conflict: A constant battle between idealism and pragmatic financial needs.
  • Challenge: Finding a balance between living by your values and embracing financial realities.

The Saver

Focused on accumulating and preserving resources, the Saver is driven by a fear of loss. Frugality becomes a way to feel secure.

  • Core Thought: "I must save every penny to feel secure."
  • Deep-Rooted Belief: Scarcity in early experiences creates an unyielding drive to hoard.
  • Challenge: Learning to enjoy life in the present without sacrificing security.

The Star

The Star craves visibility and admiration, associating wealth with success and status. External markers of success often mask inner vulnerabilities.

  • Core Thought: "I need to be seen and admired for my achievements."
  • Underlying Belief: Self-worth is measured by external validation and material success.
  • Challenge: Bridging the gap between outer brilliance and inner fulfillment.

The Innocent

Embodying simplicity and trust, the Innocent views money with a naïve optimism. There is a gentle belief in the inherent goodness of resources, yet a vulnerability to financial complexities.

  • Core Thought: "Money should be a source of comfort, not fear."
  • Inner Perspective: A simplistic view of resources, nurtured in an environment of trust.
  • Challenge: Navigating financial complexities while preserving innate optimism.

The Caretaker

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, the Caretaker views money as a tool to care for others. Their nurturing nature, however, can sometimes lead to neglecting personal financial needs.

  • Core Thought: "I must ensure that those I care about are always secure."
  • Underlying Belief: Early experiences of dependency foster a protective attitude toward resources.
  • Challenge: Balancing the desire to give with the need for self-care and financial stability.

The Empire Builder

Marked by ambition and an unyielding drive to accumulate, the Empire Builder sees money as the ultimate tool for creating influence and legacy. This archetype is constantly pushing for more, often at the expense of inner balance.

  • Core Thought: "I must build and expand to leave a lasting legacy."
  • Deep-Rooted Belief: Wealth and control are seen as measures of self-worth and success.
  • Challenge: Balancing relentless ambition with personal fulfillment and authentic relationships.