Blogs > It’s OKAY to feel overwhelmed about Financial Health: 7 Tips to End Financial Stress
It’s OKAY to feel overwhelmed about Financial Health: 7 Tips to End Financial Stress
Since the dawn of humanity, money has been a part of our daily lives. They say money can't buy happiness, but it turns out that having easy access to finances can help improve mental health. Who'd have thought it? In the past, access to finances has been a privilege for those lucky enough to be able to possess it. But now, anyone can use services such as mortgages or loans to gain access to finances without having to play by the rules of traditional financial institutions. This can greatly improve mental health as more people are now able to fulfill their needs and wants within their own communities.
Managing your finances can really add to your stress. When you are stressed about money, it can take a toll on your mental health. But managing your finances doesn't have to be daunting or stressful. This World Mental Health Day, we are going to share some tips to help you get on track with your finances and manage them more effectively:
1. Track where your money goes
Start by tracking every penny that comes into and leaves your account for a month — without judgment or self-recrimination! Once you've got the hang of it, keep track for longer periods of time — at least one year — so you can spot trends and see where your money goes. Your spending patterns may surprise you, but they also may make sense and give you ideas on how to spend your money in a smarter way.
2. Create a budget
Once you know how much money is coming in and going out every month, it's time to create a budget so you can stick with it while making sure everything gets paid on time without having any unforeseen expenses pop up along the way. Your budget should include all income sources — including any side gigs — as well as all expenditures (including savings goals).
3. Pay off debt on time
Sometimes you need some help to get out of a tough spot and there is nothing wrong with that. But when you are in the habit of carrying debt from month to month without ever taking the time to pay off what you owe or at least reduce it significantly, that's when things get bad. Debt can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. If you work together with those who understand your situation and put together a plan that works for you, you can find a way out of debt and regain control of your finances. Keeping your debt under control can also improve your CIBIL Score. Find out where your credit rating stands by checking your CIBIL Report worth Rs. 1200 for FREE!
4. Save for emergencies
If you are saving money for a specific goal, and an emergency happens, the last thing you want to do is dip into that savings account. If you can't afford to save now, there are other ways to prepare for an emergency. You can have an emergency fund by making small deposits of cash in a savings account every time you get paid. That way when an emergency happens, you are prepared to deal with it because of your savings account. You can also apply for a personal loan or use credit cards to pay for unexpected expenses and then pay off that debt as soon as possible. Having a savings account or taking out a line of credit will help you avoid any unnecessary stress caused by an unexpected expense.
5. Invest in your retirement
You might be in your twenties, and you are probably not thinking about retirement—but it's never too early to start. No matter what stage of life you are in, having a solid retirement plan will help ensure that you can enjoy your golden years without worrying about how to pay the bills or where your next meal is coming from. If you start contributing now, even small amounts can add up over time—and once you reach certain milestones you have even more options open for making smart investments that maximize those savings.
6. Talk with a financial advisor
Financial advisors can be a great resource when you are looking to make a major purchase or want some help with your retirement savings.
A financial advisor can help you to:
-Organize your finances
-Take control of your spending
-Evaluate your investments and insurance coverage
-Develop a retirement strategy
However, it's important to find someone you trust, who has experience in the field and whom you feel comfortable talking to about anything related to money.
7. Stay Positive
It's easy to get discouraged about money because there are so many aspects of it that we can't control—everything from the value of our currency and the state of our economy to our income and expenses. But one thing we can all do is control our attitude. The more positive we are about money, the more positive we'll be in general. If you are constantly worrying, stressing, and feeling defeated by the whole idea of it, you are going to be a lot less successful in your actions to improve your finances.
Final Words
While getting rid of financial stress certainly won't guarantee you a happy life, I would argue it is one of the best ways to ensure you have the resources available to help ensure your happiness. Make no mistake—financial stress is real, and it has a drastic impact on our lives regardless of how much money we make or the nature of our job. Our money is meant to help us fulfill our needs or wants, and not give us stress and worry. So, follow the seven tips above and bridge the gap between mental wellness and financial stability.
