Coping with Financial Stress

There’s a twist to an old saying that goes “Lack of money is the root of all evil.” Indeed, when bills begin to pile up and debts begin to rise, financial stress comes in. Coping with financial challenges is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either.

Seeking the professional assistance of a financial planner always helps. For individuals who wish to deal with the problem by themselves, self planning and management come out as welcome options too.

The following suggestions should enable you to cope with and beat financial stress:

1. Avoid splurging cash to de-stress. A nice hair-do, a visit to the spa or a classy dinner may be feel-good activities. However, they worsen financial stress because engaging in them requires significant spending. Practical and free alternatives include reading a book, spending the weekend at home with friends or taking a relaxing bath.

1. Acknowledge that a financial problem exists. It is only when you accept this reality that you are able to move past the shock and work towards correcting the problem. Denials can only prolong and worsen the toll of a financial catastrophe.

1. Go easy on huge risks. Huge investments often entail huge gambles too. Being under a financially stressful circumstance is the worst time to take risks. Smaller but relatively stable investments create a sense of security that helps to ease financial stress.

1. Keep loved ones posted of the financial crisis. Financial stress can cause relationships to crumble. An open discussion of the problem can earn the sympathy, understanding and assistance of concerned family members and loved ones.

1. Respond to the situation systematically. The worst way to respond to a financial crisis is to panic. A productive and effective approach would be to list your challenges and possible solutions, re-assess priorities, draft a schedule, and find time to relax and sort through the mess.

The Value of a Good Plan

Studies show that good planning can significantly reduce the amount of financial stress you may experience. In fact, a good plan places you firmly on the track to progress.

Several financial planning services to this end are available today, so you don’t have to cope with it alone. You can rely on outside help to assess your situation for them and draft a plan.

Your plan may involve some of the following items:

• Measures to keep expenses lower than earnings
• Alternative jobs to supplement current income
• Loan refinancing options
• Use of debit cards in the place of credit cards

Health as a Capital Investment

At the onset of financial stress, your body takes a beating too. People often neglect their health when they become too absorbed with money problems.

Muscle relaxation muscle and deep breathing exercises can help relieve the physical impact of stress. Your body needs these time-outs.

True enough, coping with financial stress is never easy, but exercising greater control over one’s reactions to drastic events can lead to healthier outcomes. Equipped with a proactive mindset and attitude, you can overcome any financial hurdles that come along.