ARE YOU FINANCIALLY STRESSED?

ELIMINATE YOUR FINANCIAL STRESS & TRAUMA

To address financial stress and anxiety, here's a summary of key strategies based on the provided information:

*   **Identify the sources of your financial stress.** Pinpointing the specific issues keeping you up at night can help you determine your next steps.
*   **Create a monthly budget.** A budget helps you take control of your finances and understand where your money is going. Start with your net income and write down all your expenses. Set up automatic payments for recurring bills and savings.
*   **Make the most of your income.** Categorize your spending into needs and wants and look for ways to trim from your wants list. Examine your spending patterns to identify ways to save on small daily expenses.
*   **Build an emergency fund.** Having money set aside for emergencies can go a long way towards relieving financial anxiety. Use your budget to determine how much you can contribute each month toward savings.
*   **Be strategic about reducing debt.** Credit card debt is a common source of financial stress, so having a plan to pay it off can help. Consider different debt repayment methods like the snowball method or the high-rate method.
*   **Consider outside help.** If you're struggling to reduce debt, consider seeking help from trusted resources such as the Federal Trade Commission and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Financial advisors can also provide guidance on long-term goals.
*   **Acknowledge your feelings.** It's normal to experience a range of emotions when dealing with financial stress. Don't try to suppress or ignore these feelings.
*   **Practice Mindfulness.** Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with financial stress.
*   **Develop a Plan.** Creating a budget, developing a savings plan, and setting realistic financial goals can help you gain control over your finances and reduce stress. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones can help.
*   **Revisit your spending habits.** When looking to prepare for inflation, revisiting your budget may be beneficial. Determine what you can temporarily cut from your regular spending to make room for essentials.
*   **Learn to look for bargains.** Try using coupons and be on the lookout for sales and price-matching policies. Consider purchasing bulk items and choosing generic brands for essentials.
*   **Establish coping strategies.** Coping skills can be a valuable part of daily life and helpful for concerns like inflation and world events. This includes breathing exercises, physical activity, meditation, and more.
*   **Seek social support.** Join support groups, or spend time with people who make you feel positive about yourself.
*   **Work with a therapist.** Therapy can help individuals cope with life stress, including stress related to finances. Online therapy can be a more affordable option.
*   **Embrace your worth.** You are not your job title, bank account, or debt. You are a beautiful spirit with unique gifts and talents.
*   **Decrease shame.** Due to the shame and stigma associated with trauma and financial struggles, many people suffer in silence. Know you are not alone, and help is available.
*   **Practice self-compassion.** Honor your financial traumas and how they may have impacted you emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Stop self-blame and harsh self-judgment.