What Does it Mean to Dream of Finding Money? 11 Possibilities

Dreamt about finding money? It might not mean what you think

Co-authored by Pam Muller and Savannah Vold

Last Updated: July 30, 2025 Fact Checked

Hey, look, a penny! Were you dreaming of finding money in your wallet or a dollar on the ground? Or maybe you dreamt you won the lottery or had to give money away? Like dreams in general, money dreams are confusing, and it’s easy to be unsure of what in the world they might mean. Lucky for you, money dreams are generally a sign of good things to come and can be just as uplifting as finding money in real life! In this article, we’ll help you decode your money dream so you can get to the bottom of what it might mean for the future.

Meaning of Finding Money in a Dream

Dream interpreter Pam Muller says that finding money in a dream often points to a discovery of new value within yourself. If the dream was positive, ask yourself what new riches are emerging in your waking life. This could be a new hobby, relationship, or opportunity.

1

If you had a dream you found money on the ground…

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...you’re on a lucky streak! Finding money on the ground in a dream is a sign that your financial situation could improve.^{[1]
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Research source} If you’ve been stressed out about whether or not things will work out in your career, good news might be on its way!
- Keep working hard and stay positive. You might be days away from getting a well-deserved lucky break.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kari Samuels
  Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach
  
  Expert Interview}
- Reader Poll: We asked 1741 wikiHow readers what financial goal they think is most important, and 80% of them said Eliminating debt to gain financial freedom. [Take Poll]
  - If you're stressing about debt, this might be a sign things will get better soon!

2

If you dreamt you found a coin…

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Finding coins in a dream can indicate that something satisfying might happen soon.^{[3]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Just like in real life, finding a lucky penny can be a fun and positive experience. Who knows, maybe a friend will take you out to lunch, or you’ll get good news about the job you applied for!

3

If you dreamt you found money in your purse or wallet…

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...it means you have high self-worth. Money is often symbolic of one’s self-esteem and social identity.^{[4]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics

Go to source} If you dreamt you found unexpected money in your purse or wallet, you probably have a healthy relationship with your self-worth and know the value you bring to your relationships and professional life.
- To better understand your self-worth, consider how you might describe yourself to a stranger as well as the things you like most about yourself.^{[5]
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4

If you had a dream you found foreign money…

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...it means you have an adventure on the horizon! Money can literally symbolize change, both physical and metaphorical, so if you dreamt about finding foreign money, you might be ready to start a new journey, like moving somewhere you’ve never been before but always wanted to go or starting an entirely new hobby with lots to learn. Consider this dream a sign to think about what you want from the future—oh, the places you will go!^{[6]
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- Think back to your dream—can you remember the country from which the money was from? You might want to plan a trip there!

5

If you had a dream you found dirty money…

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...it means you might be making poor choices. Dreaming of dirty money might indicate that you’ve been making decisions that are making you feel vulnerable.^{[7]
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Research source} Whether you lied about something to a loved one or aren’t taking care of yourself as well as you should be, every day is a chance to start fresh by making new choices you can be proud of!
- Dreaming of dirty money could also mean that you’re trying to cover up for yourself or someone else. If you think it's the latter, remember that you’re only responsible for your own actions and never do something you’re uncomfortable with just because someone expects you to.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kari Samuels
  Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach
  
  Expert Interview}

6

If you had a dream you won money…

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...it means you should put yourself out there more. Whether you dreamt you won money in the lottery or a raffle, this could signify that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone might have great results. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with an attractive stranger or finally ask for that promotion you’ve been working towards. What’s the worst that could happen?^{[9]
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- If you have difficulty being confident when trying new things, consider using an alter ego to make it easier.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} Clare might be shy, but Vanessa isn’t afraid to ask for what she deserves!

7

If you dreamt you lost money…

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Money is generally regarded as a valuable commodity to hold on to, so if you dreamt you lost money, you might be feeling anxious about something or someone slipping away from you.^{[11]
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Mental Health Foundation
UK charity working towards good mental health for all.

Go to source} If you feel unsteady in your relationships or career, checking in and communicating with your peers is a great way to make sure everyone is on the same page.^{[12]
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HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}

8

If you dreamt you couldn’t pay your bills…

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...you might be lacking balance. If you dreamt you couldn’t pay for something, you might be feeling a sense of debt to something or someone in your life.^{[13]
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Research source} If you’ve been neglecting your friends or family due to a hectic work schedule or personal life, make sure to reach out and let them know they’re on your mind—it might make their day!
- A quick text like “missing you!” is a surefire way to make someone feel valued.

9

If you had a dream you gave money away…

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...you might be feeling overwhelmed. Money is considered a source of power, so if you dreamt you gave money away, you might be dealing with a situation where you feel like you have the underhand.^{[14]
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Research source} Take control of the problem by establishing your needs and expectations. That way, you won’t feel like you’re giving too much of your time and happiness away.
- It’s easy to do, but running yourself to the ground won’t help you in the long term. Take regular breaks to ensure you feel well-rested and perform at your best!^{[15]
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10

If you had a dream someone gave you money…

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...you might be looking for support. To dream you’ve been given money indicates that you might receive some much-needed insight from a loved one or colleague.^{[16]
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Research source} Shared abundance, such as wisdom, might be on its way to you through support from your community.
- Don't forget knowledge is power!

11

If you had dreamt money was stolen from you…

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...you’re feeling insecure. Having money stolen from you could indicate that negative thinking patterns are holding you back from accomplishing your goals.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source

Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices

Go to source} Overthinking is an easy way to make yourself anxious and unhappy. Rather than focusing on all the things you don’t like about your life, start the day right by writing a list of the ten things you love most to nip those negative habits in the bud.
- Meditation is an excellent way to reduce worry-causing negative thoughts.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What does it mean when you dream of picking up paper money?

Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach
Kari Samuels is an international Intuitive Counselor and Happiness Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology. Kari assists people in reclaiming their innate intuitive gifts and restore well-being through self-empowerment. She has a popular Youtube channel and has been featured on Hay House Radio and other podcasts.

Kari Samuels

Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach

Expert Answer

That type of dream is about getting down to business and doing what you need to do. This refers to the tangible actions that you need to take to invest in yourself and do the work to really make a space for yourself the world (like claiming your worth in a physical and actionable way).

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