Money on Your Mind? Here’s How to Handle Your Financial Anxiety

Everyone thinks about money when it’s time to pay the bills or save for the future. But millions of people suffering from financial anxiety worry over money constantly. If you’re stressed out because of your finances, read on to learn about your options. 

Who’s More Likely to Suffer from Money Woes?

Financial anxiety can hit anyone, although you’re more likely to worry over money if you live in certain parts of the U.S. 

A report shows the average adult living in Utah, for example, owes $59,320 in installment loans, credit cards, lines of credit, and mortgages. With debt like this, Utah has some of the highest debt in the country.

Your background also plays a role in your financial anxiety. People of color report a greater feeling of stress than white, especially during the pandemic. 

The Pew Research Center shows black and Hispanic households were the hardest hit by job and wage losses, while nearly three-quarters of these adults don’t have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. 

What Are the Symptoms of Financial Anxiety?

Worrying about how you’ll pay for an unexpected visit to the clinic is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Long-term stress could also manifest as the following symptoms:

• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headaches and migraines
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

How to Relieve Your Financial Worries

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, dealing with financial insecurity is no picnic. If you’re starting to feel the strain, check out these tips below:

Deal with Your Immediate Expense

It’s hard enough to tackle your mental wellness while juggling an outstanding bill, so you’ll want to put together a payment plan to help you get this off your to-do list.

If you can’t make your payment by the due date, contact your creditor to see if they have a forgiveness program in place. They may adjust how much you owe or give you more time to come up with the money.

If you’re still short of what you need, installment loans might provide a safety net, and finding one is simple if you go online. Just make sure you narrow down your search to your state of residence. So, if you live in Utah, try typing this into your search bar: installment loans Utah. This will help you find fast Utah installment loans, known for their quick application process.

Make a Budget

Addressing your budget is the first thing you can do to help yourself. This spending plan helps you rank important expenses to make sure your paycheck goes toward the essentials first.

If you spot discretionary spending stealing cash away from bills, your budget will show you these bad habits. You’ll also see where your budget is most imbalanced. 

Reach out for Professional Help

For serious financial issues that you can’t solve with an installment loan or budget, it might be time to speak with government assistance and non-profit credit counseling organizations. These services provide resources that can help you tackle significant money problems. 

• National Financial Credit Counseling
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

There is a Way Out

When you’re feeling anxious all the time, it’s hard to find the clarity you need to find a solution. So, use this guide for ideas to help you put your money worries to bed.