There was a time when financial stress had me in a chokehold. I remember lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, calculating bills in my head, and feeling that sinking sense of dread when I realized the math just didn’t add up. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about the constant fear of not having enough, the anxiety of what-ifs, and the weight of the unknown.
I was constantly thinking about the next paycheck, the mounting credit card debt, and the rising cost of just about everything. I couldn’t enjoy the present because I was too worried about the future. Every minor expense—like groceries or gas—felt like another brick added to the heavy load I was already carrying. It became more than just a financial issue; it impacted my mental health, my relationships, and even my physical well-being.
Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t continue living this way. I had to find a way to manage the stress before it consumed me completely. And while I’m still not a financial guru by any means, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me regain control when financial stress felt overwhelming. Here’s what worked for me, and what might work for you, too.
1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Stress
The first thing I had to do was acknowledge the stress I was feeling. I spent so much time trying to avoid it—pretending it wasn’t that bad, brushing it off—but that didn’t make it go away. In fact, it made things worse. The more I avoided thinking about my financial situation, the more my anxiety grew in the background.
Once I admitted to myself that I was overwhelmed, it was almost like a weight was lifted. I wasn’t solving the problem yet, but just naming it was a crucial first step. It’s okay to feel stressed about money. Almost everyone does at some point. The key is to recognize it so you can start addressing it.
Tip: Write down your worries. Sometimes, putting your fears on paper helps you see them more clearly. You can’t fix what you refuse to face.
2. Create a Simple Budget (Even If It’s Scary)
Budgeting used to terrify me. I thought it was only for people who were great with money, not for someone like me who felt like they were always behind. But one day, I sat down and forced myself to look at the numbers. It was uncomfortable at first, but it also gave me a sense of clarity I hadn’t had in a long time.
I wasn’t trying to create a perfect budget—I just needed a rough idea of where my money was going and how I could make some adjustments. And honestly, the act of creating a budget was empowering. It made me feel like I was taking control rather than letting my financial situation control me.
Tip: Start small. Track your spending for one week. Once you see where your money is going, it becomes easier to figure out where you can cut back or make adjustments.
3. Prioritize What Matters Most
When I looked at my finances, I realized I was spending money on things that weren’t really priorities. Sure, grabbing takeout was convenient, and online shopping helped me feel better in the moment, but those little expenses added up fast. I had to ask myself: What really matters?
For me, it was making sure I had enough to cover my rent, groceries, and utilities. Everything else was secondary. By focusing on the essentials, I was able to start cutting out the things that didn’t matter as much. It was a hard shift at first—sacrificing some comforts—but it helped ease the stress of not knowing how I’d make it through the month.
Tip: Make a list of your non-negotiable expenses (rent, food, etc.) and put them at the top of your priority list. Anything outside of that can be adjusted or minimized as needed.
4. Reach Out for Help
One of the hardest things to do when you’re struggling with financial stress is admitting you need help. I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling. But when I finally opened up to a close friend, it was like a dam broke. Not only did they offer emotional support, but they also gave me practical advice I hadn’t considered.
Sometimes, just talking to someone about what you’re going through can help relieve some of the pressure. Other times, seeking professional financial advice might be the best step forward. I didn’t know much about financial planners or debt counseling until I reached a breaking point, but those resources can be lifesavers.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to reach out—whether it’s to a friend, family member, or professional. Financial stress can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
5. Take Small, Consistent Steps
I used to think that solving my financial problems would require some big, dramatic change—a higher-paying job, winning the lottery, or some miracle. But the truth is, what helped the most were the small, consistent steps I took every day. Little things, like setting aside $5 here and there, making a small payment on my credit card, or finding ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses, made a bigger impact over time than I expected.
The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just in tiny steps. Over time, those small actions build up and help you regain a sense of control.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of small wins. Focus on what you can do right now, even if it seems minor. Every little bit helps.
6. Focus on What You Can Control
Financial stress often stems from feeling like you’re not in control—whether it’s the rising cost of living, an unexpected expense, or not earning enough. But one thing I’ve learned is that while you can’t control everything, you can control how you respond.
For me, this meant focusing on the things I could change—like how I managed my spending or how much time I spent worrying. I couldn’t fix everything overnight, but I could take steps to improve my situation and, just as importantly, improve my mindset around money.
Tip: Take control of the things you can. Whether it’s tracking your spending, creating a plan to pay off debt, or simply deciding to stress less about the things beyond your control, focusing on what you can change will help you feel more empowered.
Final Thoughts: You Can Manage Financial Stress
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial stress, know that you’re not alone—and that it’s possible to regain control. It won’t happen all at once, and there will be setbacks along the way, but by taking small, consistent steps and focusing on what you can control, you can start to reduce the burden.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that financial stress doesn’t have to dictate your life. With patience, support, and a bit of planning, you can navigate through it and come out stronger on the other side.