Are you letting money stress you out? You are in debt over your head, your savings account is nonexistent, and you have no idea how to create a budget.
If any of this sounds familiar then keep reading to learn some tips to take control of your finance and stop letting money stress you out.
Why are you letting money stress you out?
1. Mindset
Financial struggles start in the mind. Yup, they are just like every other struggle in life. There is some belief about money that you created in your head that is the driving force for many of the financial choices you make. Whether the choices are positive or negative is based on your perception. It’s really all a mindset.
I am not suggesting that you ditch all of your beliefs about money. Not at all. However, it is important to get a grip on what they are and how you created them in the first place.
Why? Because they give you better incite as to why you make the financial choices you make. Understanding your beliefs is also helpful when you are deriving a plan to improve your financial health because you want to own and believe in your plan. It is one of the best ways to stay motivated to stop letting money stress you out.
Here are some common beliefs of people who let money stress them out?
- I am terrible with money
- I am not educated enough to earn more money
- Money does not buy happiness (this is a tricky one, think about it)
- I have to work hard to earn money
- Nobody will hire me
- I am always at the wrong place at the wrong time
- Money doesn’t grow on trees
- People will only like me for my money
- Money slips away from me
- I have no self-control when it comes to spending money
When you read these statements can you see how they can block you from financial abundance? Is it possible to change the wording to be more friendly and less stressy?
Here are some examples:
- My money management skills are getting better every day
- My happiness is not affected by money
- I can earn money doing work I enjoy
- There are many jobs available
- My mind is open to seeing all opportunities
- There is an abundance of money and I can give freely
- I am a kind and thoughtful person who enjoys people
- I keep track of my finances and am aware of my financial health
- My money choices are mindful and relate to my values
If you are tired of letting money stress you out, trypaying attention to the words you use when it comes to money. You may find that you are subconsciously blocking your potential.
Example
Let’s use the statement “Money does not buy happiness”.
Now really read this statement over and over again. Is it possible that this statement is actually blocking you from earning money? Could you be subconsciously sabotaging your potential to prove that you don’t need it to be happy? Or maybe to show others that you can be happy without money and therefore not allow an abundance of money into your life? Are money and happiness mutually exclusive? I imagine you could be happy with or without money.
What happens if you change the statement to “My happiness is not affected by money?” Would that help allow abundance for both happiness and money into your life?
My analysis above might sound a bit far-fetched to you but give it some thought. It is only an example of how a simple statement could mean much more than what is intended.
What you can do to stop letting money stress you out?
Take some time to do some inner work to determine your money mindset. When did this start? Was this how you were raised or were there experiences in your life that encouraged this pattern of thinking?
Journaling and meditation are great ways to find the source. You may also find it helpful to discuss this with a therapist, a trusted friend, or a family member. Whatever method you choose, dig deep to find the root cause of your limiting beliefs. Until you do, you will continue to struggle financially.
Once you determine your root cause you can work on replacing those limited beliefs with more positive alternatives. Your mind will naturally pick up on the cues that lead you to inspired action, which in turn will eventually reduce your financial struggles.
2. Money management
Money management is not taught in many schools so it is possible that you’ve never learned some basic money management skills. This does not mean that you are bad with money. It only means that you have not been exposed to these techniques.
What you can do
Learn how to create a bill pay plan, track your income and expenses and balance your checkbook. I understand that checkbooks are mainly a thing of the past, but its important to monitor and check your records with those of the bank. So, if you are not using a checkbook, then review your bank transactions regularly.
Check your financial health by determining your net worth and debt to income ratio. Work out your budgets monthly and be sure to monitor your spending.
Get involved with your money. It’s like a relationship. If you maintain it, don’t neglect it, respect it and have fun with it every once in a while, you may stop letting money stress you out.
Wrap up on letting money stress you out
If you are tired of letting money stress you out then take a look at your mindset as well as your money management skills. With a positive money mindset you open yourself to receive new ideas, inspiration, and motivation. The blocks not only stop you from bringing in more money but also from taking care of the money you have been released.
Paying attention to your money and your habits will help ensure that it grows to the level that you decide.
Thanks for reading!
Stay balanced,
Jill