5 tips on how to deal with financial stress

Scan the business pages of your local newspaper, or check in with friends and family, and you’ll see some common financial concerns that come up over and over again: High inflation. The threat of recession. International conflict affecting the cost of fuel, food and more.

And that’s not even taking into account the unexpected. Sudden illness or injury can also add to your financial burdens.

Then you might be tempted to change the subject to something fun and light, like movies or (for comparison) your next root canal.

But if you feel stressed, don’t change the subject. Instead, use this guide to find ways to manage and reduce financial stress to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Create a budget

Creating a budget is critical to managing financial stress because it gives you a clear understanding of your financial situation. This can be done with a simple spreadsheet, a budgeting app, or a pen and paper, as long as you are accurate and consistent.

From there, you can identify areas where you can cut back on spending money and prioritize your spending. For example, you may spend a large amount of money on non-essentials, such as eating out or streaming services. By cutting back on these expenses, you can free up more money to cover essentials like rent or your mortgage, utilities and groceries.

To create a budget, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine your income.
2. Track your expenses: Write down all your expenses for a month, including fixed expenses (rent, insurance, utilities, etc.) and variable expenses (food, entertainment, transportation, etc.).
3. Categorize your expenses: Group them by housing, food, transportation and entertainment to see where your money goes.
4. Set spending limits: Decide how much you can spend in each category and stick to it.
5. Make adjustments: If you̵
   7;re spending more than you’re making, look for areas where you can cut back. If you have extra cash, use it to pay off debt or build an emergency fund.
6. Review and update your budget regularly: Review your budget regularly, at least once a month, to see if you’re on track and make necessary adjustments.

Remember that creating a budget is a process, and it can take some time to get it right. But it will be worth it in the long run, to help you better manage your money and reach your financial goals.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is another effective way to manage financial stress. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present without judgment or distraction. When it comes to financial stress, this means focusing on the present and not getting caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.

There are several ways to practice mindfulness, including taking a walk, meditating, or simply taking a few deep breaths. These can help you stay calm and focused, even in the midst of financial worries, which in turn can help you make better decisions and take action in line with your goals and values.

Mindfulness can also help you sleep better and boost your immune system, which is essential for reducing stress and improving your overall well-being.

Here is a step-by-step guide to mindfulness:

1. Find a quiet place: Choose a place where you will not be disturbed for a few minutes.
2. Sit comfortably: Sit in a chair or cross-legged on the floor. Keep your back straight but not stiff.
3. Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Pay attention to the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body.
4. Observe Your Thoughts: As thoughts arise, observe them without judgment. Don’t get stuck in them or try to change them. Just acknowledge them and let them pass.
5. Bring your attention back to your breath: When you realize your mind has wandered, just bring your attention back to your breath.
6. Start small: Start with 3-5 minutes and build from there.
7. Finish the exercise: When you’re ready, take a deep breath and open your eyes.

It is important to be patient and gentle with yourself when practicing mindfulness. It may be challenging at first, but regular practice will make it easier and more natural. You can also try incorporating mindfulness into your daily activities, such as eating, walking or doing household chores.

Seek professional help

If financial stress is overwhelming you, seeking professional help is a good option. A financial advisor or financial therapist can help you develop a comprehensive plan to manage your finances and provide the necessary tools and resources to keep you on track. They can help you create a budget, set up a savings plan, and even guide you in managing debt, investing, and retirement planning.

Working with a financial advisor can also help you identify and address any underlying issues that are contributing to your financial stress. For example, they can help you understand your spending habits. Or they can work with you to develop a plan to handle unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs.

Here are some steps you can follow to find a good financial advisor:

1. Determine Your Needs: Before searching for a financial advisor, understand your financial goals and what you want to achieve. This will help you determine the type of advisor you need and what services they should provide.
2. Ask for referrals: Talk to friends, family or colleagues who have worked with a financial advisor. They may be able to recommend someone they trust.
3. Research potential advisors: Once you have a list of potential advisors, check their credentials and experience. Look for someone who is a Certified Financial Planner (TM) professional or holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Also check if they have any disciplinary actions or customer complaints against them.
4. Schedule Consultations: Set up consultations with multiple advisors to better understand their services and approach. Ask questions about their experience, fees and investment philosophy.
5. Consider compatibility: It’s important to find an advisor you feel comfortable working with and trust. Consider factors such as communication style, accessibility and personality.
6. Verify references: Check your advisor’s record with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and/or state insurance department.
7. Evaluate Fees: Find out how the advisor is compensated, either through commissions, fees, or a combination of both. Ensure fees are reasonable and in line with industry standards.

Consider life insurance

Life insurance is a proactive way to avoid financial stress in the event of the death of a family member. It is a type of insurance that provides financial support to your loved ones upon your death, and can help reduce the financial burden that comes with their loss. The benefits of term life insurance include peace of mind and security, especially if you have dependents who rely on you for financial support.

There are several types of life insurance, with life insurance being one of the most affordable. Life insurance works like this: You choose a cover amount and a term (10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years). In return for monthly premiums, the insurer will then pay your nominated beneficiaries the sum assured in the event of your death during that period. If you survive the term, no benefit is paid (unless you extend your term, usually at a much higher premium) – but hey, you live.

If you happen to die, your family receives the death benefit, often as a lump sum. This money can be used for any expense they face: funeral expenses, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, tuition, food and more.

Here are a selection of quotes for a 20-year Haven Term life policy, issued by MassMutual or CM Life, for people in excellent health:

Term life insurance quotes

Estimate based on pricing for qualified Haven Term applicants in excellent health. Price differences will vary depending on age, health status, coverage amount and term length. These rates do not reflect rates for applicants in DE, FL, ND, NY and SD.

Remember that life insurance is a long-term commitment, so it is important that you take your time and find the right insurance company for you and your loved ones. But rest assured: It is possible to get high-quality life insurance on a budget.

Focus on what is most important

Finally, it is important to remember what is most important in life: spending time with your family, pursuing your hobbies or simply taking care of your mental and physical health.

Doing so can help provide perspective and reduce stress levels. Concentrating on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment can help you put financial worries into perspective and give you a sense of balance and peace.

Taking care of your mental and physical health is also important when dealing with financial stress. This may involve participating in exercise, meditation or therapy. These activities can help reduce stress, improve mood and increase general well-being.

In addition to taking care of your mental and physical health, maintaining strong relationships with your loved ones is crucial. Family and friends can provide comfort and support during difficult times, and can also help bring a sense of joy and fulfillment to your life. There is always room in your budget for that.