A few ways to ease financial stress
Modern life is stressful, we all know that. From minor irritations like wet towels on the bathroom floor (it doesn’t feel all that minor in the heat of the moment does it?) to the bigger stuff – work, relationships and so on – we all have our own ways of dealing with the challenges life throws at us.
Money issues, too, have always had the potential to cause more than their share of complications. For some, of course, it’s mostly about not having enough of it. But even if you’re in a fortunate position financially, there are still plenty of financial stresses to deal with – from making sure your wealth is working hard for you, to handling the ups and downs of the stock market without losing your head.
If people don’t feel comfortable about their finances, it doesn’t matter how much money they might have. For them, financial anxieties are very real, and for those in relationships, the impact can be particularly significant.
So how can we all make sure financial stress doesn’t get us down?
Five Ways To Ease Financial Stress
1. Talk about it
If you feel worried or overwhelmed by financial issues, don’t keep it to yourself. Even if you’re in a comfortable situation financially, don’t be embarrassed to chat through your concerns with your partner, friends, colleagues – anyone who can lend a sympathetic ear. It’s always helpful to talk things through rather than letting stresses get the better of you in silence.
2. Keep some of your money separate
When you’re in a long-term relationship – whether married, in a civil partnership, or any other arrangement – it can be tempting to combine all your money for the sake of convenience. But keeping personal control of at least some of your money does wonders for your sense of empowerment and wellbeing – and that’s without even considering the benefits of having your own bank accounts if the unexpected should ever happen, such as death of a partner or divorce.
3. Don’t constantly check investments
It’s great to have easy access to information about how your investments are performing – but be wary of checking them every day. Stock markets rise and fall on a daily basis, and seeing those numbers turn red too often can cause unnecessary stress. Remember that investments are designed for the long term, and daily fluctuations are normal – whether that’s up or down!
4. Plan ahead – at any age
Thinking about the future and what you might want to do with your wealth over the years to come is a great idea. When you plan ahead, you can put arrangements in place to help you achieve your financial goals – and that’s a great stress reliever. Even if you only have vague ideas about your future goals, thinking about them now can give real peace of mind – today and well into the future.
5. Remember to enjoy today
Looking ahead is important, but it’s also essential to remember that real life is what’s happening right now. So enjoy it! Organising your wealth around your future plans is often key to relieving financial stress, but don’t forget that making the most of the present moment also matters. If you’re on top of your planning, you can enjoy your wealth today too.