If you’ve ever laid awake at night stressing about money, congratulations you’re officially human. Financial anxiety is so common right now it might as well be a national pastime, and with everything from inflation to that weird thing the stock market keeps doing, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed.
Why your brain is freaking out about money right now
Here’s the wild thing about financial anxiety, it’s not always about actually not having enough money. Sometimes your bank account can be totally fine and your brain will still go into panic mode whenever you think about finances. It’s like having a really paranoid accountant living in your head rent-free.
7 surprisingly effective ways to calm your money fears
- Get your financial news from people who actually know what they’re talking about. Listen, TikTok financial gurus are entertaining, but maybe don’t take investment advice from someone who also posts dance challenges. Instead, check out legit sources like Investopedia and Nerdwallet that break down complex money stuff without making your head spin.
- Stop worrying about everything and focus on what you can actually control. The economy is like weather sometimes it rains money, sometimes it doesn’t. Instead of stressing about things you can’t control, focus on what you can. Maybe that’s setting up an emergency fund or finally figuring out what a 401(k) actually is.
- Face your bank account like a grown-up. We get it checking your account balance is about as fun as going to the dentist. But avoiding your finances is like ignoring a weird noise your car is making it’s only going to get worse. Apps like Rocket Money and Goodbudget can make tracking your money less painful.
- Start a money diary (and actually stick to it). This isn’t your middle school diary where you wrote about your crush. This is where you track your spending habits and feelings about money. Ask yourself questions like “What made me impulse buy those light-up sneakers?” and “What financial decisions am I actually proud of?”
- Create speed bumps for your spending. Your future self will thank you for this one. Set up alerts on your credit cards that ping you before you buy something expensive. Or try this wild trick: take three deep breaths before any purchase over $50. It sounds silly, but it works.
- Get yourself a money mantra that actually works. Instead of generic stuff like “money flows to me,” try mantras that actually mean something. Think “I make decisions, not my anxiety” or “My worth isn’t measured by my net worth.” Find something that doesn’t make you roll your eyes when you say it.
- Call in the professionals (because sometimes you need backup). If your money anxiety is keeping you up at night, it might be time to talk to someone who literally gets paid to help people with this stuff. Financial advisors can help with the numbers, and financial therapists can help with the feelings behind those numbers.
Why financial therapy might be the game-changer you never knew you needed
Financial therapy sounds like something made up for rich people, but it’s actually legit. These professionals are like regular therapists who also really understand money. They can help you figure out why you break into a cold sweat every time you have to make a big purchase or why you keep sabotaging your savings goals.
The sneaky way anxiety messes with your money decisions
Here’s something wild: financial anxiety can actually make you worse with money. When you’re stressed about finances, you might avoid dealing with them altogether, which usually makes everything worse. It’s like ignoring your laundry the pile just keeps getting bigger and scarier.
How to know if your money anxiety is actually serious
If you’re wondering whether your financial stress is normal or if it’s time to get help, ask yourself these questions: Can you sleep at night without worrying about money? Do you avoid checking your bank account? Does thinking about your finances make you feel physically ill? If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to talk to someone.
The surprising truth about who struggles with money anxiety
Plot twist, even people who are good with money get anxious about it sometimes. Financial anxiety doesn’t discriminate it can affect anyone, regardless of their bank balance. In fact, some super successful people still stress about money because trauma from past financial struggles is still hanging around in their brains.
Why facing your finances is actually self-care
We know, we know self-care usually means face masks and bubble baths. But sometimes the most caring thing you can do for yourself is sit down with your bank statement and actually look at it. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid it might sting at first, but then it feels so much better.
The bottom line that will actually make you feel better
Here’s the thing, you’re not bad at money just because you’re anxious about it. Financial anxiety is incredibly common, and dealing with it doesn’t make you weak it makes you human. The key is taking small steps to face your fears and maybe getting some help along the way.
Remember, building a better relationship with money is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with one small change today, and before you know it, you might actually feel in control of your finances. And wouldn’t that be a plot twist worth waiting for?
