What dreaming about money means, according to 3 dream experts

Get the Full StoryLaylaBird Getty Images

In past studies, scientists have found a link between events that occur in our dreams and later real-world interactions with loved ones and significant others.

While dreaming about money probably doesn't mean you're going to win the lottery, it can be an indication of subconscious thoughts regarding confidence, power, and success.

Dreaming about finding money may hint at a renewed sense of self-worth, while losing money could mean that you're experiencing financial setbacks.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Before you shake your head and say that dreams have no impact on your waking life, consider this: Scientists have found that they can actually affect our daytime behavior.

In research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, a team of US and British researchers found a link between particular events in dreams and later real-world interactions with our significant others. Other past studies have also found that dreams can influence our actions and emotional state the next day. Certainly the father of all psychoanalysis would agree. "Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious," Sigmund Freud said famously in the 19th century.

So what does it mean if you're dreaming about money? In dreams, money can reflect everything from perceived power and energy to resourcefulness and even self-esteem, said Kelly Sullivan Walden, author of "It's All In Your Dreams." We asked her and two other dream experts to analyze the five most common money-related dreams. Keep reading to see what these money dreams mean.What does dreaming about winning money mean?

Scott Olson Getty Images

Before you chalk it up to just wishful thinking, dream expert Anna-Karin Bjorklund, author of "Dream Guidance: Interpret Your Dreams and Create the Life You Desire!" suggests that the "winning" feeling could relate to other aspects of your life you have good feelings about, such as being lucky in love.

"This is when you have the power to attract what you really want in life. It may not literally mean a lottery payout, but rather you can expect to attract more positive energy and winning opportunities your way," Bjorklund said. She also recommends capitalizing on how you felt when you were asleep. "I call this a wish-fulfillment dream. Take advantage of this amazing feeling you had and bring this confidence with you into your daily life."

What does dreaming about finding money mean?

AP Photo Sue Ogrocki

In your dream, you're walking down the street and you find a 100 bill stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Or you try on an old coat you had stored for years in the attic and discover a wad of 20 bills in one of the pockets.

Just because these scenarios happened in slumber and not real life, don't despair.

"If you dream of finding money in your own purse or wallet, this may represent a renewed sense of self-appreciation, self-worth and the ability to value the essential aspects of your life that you may have previously taken for granted," said Walden. "If the money you dream of finding isn't yours, then perhaps you are receiving credit for something that you doubt you deserve."

What does dreaming about losing money mean?

aldomurillo Getty Images

Lost money in a dream? At least it was only a dream, right? Not so fast, said Bjorklund. This sort of theme may suggest it is time to reassess your financial health.

"If you dream of losing money, it may be a reflection of how you currently feel about your financial situation in daily life. You may be experiencing some financial setbacks right now," said Bjorklund.

And if you've had this dream even though you've been feeling particularly flush of late? Bjorklund points out an alternative reading to suggest a different kind of loss. "It may also be a way for you to vent any unconscious fears you may be having about losing other aspects of yourself as well, such as your own self-worth, power, and not being successful enough. Your emotions in the dream can help you uncover unconscious feelings."

See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:3 budget-friendly ways to invest in your self-careBill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Oprah all use the 5-hour rule. Here's how it works, and why it's powerful.4 things Google looks for in a resume, according to their director of talent and outreachSEE ALSO: 6 tough conversations you need to have about money and how to have them even if you don't want to

DON'T MISS: I'm a big spender, but my partner is an extreme saver. How do we meet in the middle?

Share: