Overcoming Financial Fear And Anxiety

Money is the currency of exchange and symbol of success in today’s world and society. So much stress, thoughts and discussions revolve around money. I assure you that it might not bring happiness, but it definitely secures a peace of mind—well, to some extent. But how much is enough?

Student loan payoffs seem to begin the first day of work. All of a sudden it’s important to save to buy a house, pay for daycare, save for healthcare, in case of emergencies, save for your kids’ college fund, as well as start building up retirement funds. When does it stop? It doesn’t. No matter how much money you make, there will always be the fear of not having enough. And, for those who make enough to live comfortably, there is a fear of losing it.

Fear and anxiety about the future eats you up from inside. In either case, fear of not having enough or fear of losing it all, the issue is centered around our inability to control the unplanned events that trigger how much money will be needed on any given day. So, instead of asking ourselves, “How much do I need?” the real question is what tools do we have to manage a situation where more money is required?

What Tools Do We Have?

First, look at who you are—here and now. What do you have today, that you can control, that can help you face a financial crisis? Many times, people who have been driven by money experienced a time in their past when a crisis was upon them, yet they couldn’t do anything about it. They felt useless and completely out of power in instances where they could’ve been too young or vulnerable to help. This feeling of lack of control and power still makes people feel the same way—thinking that they have no power to face a financial crisis.

The key is to look at you. Look at how far you have come with all you have done and conquered against all odds. You are not who you were as a child. Today, you have experience, a skill set and wisdom. You are in control and can do something about your financial anxiety. At one time, you may have been hopeless, but now you can use tools you have acquired through time to face any financial crisis. You have already faced and overcome challenges in the past, so why do you think that if something happens tomorrow, you won’t be able to handle it?

Congratulate your younger self. Look at how much they’ve helped you achieve in order for you to become who you are today. Now, tell your older self that you are here, ready and have always been ready to face future circumstances. Imagine what you can do with all the maturity, skills and experience you have accumulated through the years! What an amazing epiphany when you suddenly realize that you may not feel satisfied by the amount of money you have to face the future, but that you have something more precious—YOU.

You will always do what needs to be done, like you always have. Relax and breathe, there’s no need to count how much is in the bank or to predict future expenses. Instead, do your best to survive but nonetheless, count on yourself. You are priceless and can achieve miracles, as you already have. If you had not been, you would not be surviving in today’s society. You are a fighter and you are ready for any situation that may arise. Trust yourself; you are amazing. Breathe.