May 10, 2021

How to Lower Your Money Stress

You don’t have to go far to find people who are stressed about money. In fact, a recent survey I commissioned showed that up to 40% of Aussies believe they will have to work longer due to the financial effects of COVID-19. That fact alone would be causing a lot of stress for people.

But the even bigger stress for most of us is right now: how to juggle this bill, pay that, and keep it all together. So how do you get on top of it all? While the obvious answer is to earn more, that is not always an option. So, with what you have, here are some ways to mentally get around the challenge of money related stress, and start focussing on more positive areas of your life.

1. Understand your true situation.

Exactly how much debt do you have? What are all your monthly payments? Then you can do a true assessment of your financial situation. Many of us don’t know the true figure, as you are not taking into account bills that arrive quarterly and things that are bought annually like presents.

Take everything into account  – you can use a budget calculator that has been built for just this at MoneySmart. This gives you the power to make decisions about your life beyond 2020. Can you live somewhere less expensive? Take public transport? Whatever the decision, at least you have the power to make them and lower your stress by being informed and thinking of a plan of Christmas and into the new year, instead of just worrying.

2. Start thinking what you can do differently.

Obviously the big bills have to be paid to live. But what about things you don’t have to spend on? This year for Christmas our family has agreed for the first time not to give gifts for the adults, and just buy something for the kids. None of us need anything and it is a big saving not to spend on gifts.

We would rather focus on the time together and eating food and being merry. Having these conversations with family can do wonders for lowering your stress.

3. Spend time over…

Continue reading the article >

Vanessa Stoykov writes for Secrets of the Money Masters, a programme she founded, now owned by tech giant Iress for the education of financial advisers

Until next time,

Vanessa

Leave a Comment

  • From Clear Tax on Should You Help Your Kids Buy Property Now? What to Weigh Before Giving an Early Inheritance

    Helping children with property can be complex. Professional advice on structuring gifts or loans, including tax and Centrelink considerations, can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.

  • From ANTOINETTE COLBRAN on Navigating Your 50's: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom in Retirement

    Natallia – you’ve said it so well. The message here I think is about consistency. Consistency in checking what’s going in and what’s creeping out. A review of finances to keep on track on interest rates, investment opportunities and Superannuation top ups. Many of us in our businesses self contribute to Super – we easily get behind. It’s part of our financial literacy homework. Get going ladies.

  • From Kids Debit Card on Changing Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids

    The goal of the following article is to assist parents have meaningful conversations with their children about money and financial literacy by providing them with practical guidance and useful recommendations. The author discusses goal-setting, budgeting, saving, and investing, and offers advice on how to have these discussions with people of varying ages. The essay is informative and easy to read, making it a valuable tool for parents who want to teach their children about money.

    For More Info:-https://busykid.com/kids-debit-card/

    • From admin on Changing Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids

      Thanks for your comments!

  • From Gale Pickles on It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

    So enjoyed this, I will share if that’s okay with you, many of my friends will benefit from your journey.
    Many Blessings for 2023
    ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

  • From ScottViabe on Three ways to embrace change to improve your life

    Hi all! This is a good site.

  • From David Horton on How Finfluencers are teaching millennials and Gen Z about money

    And once again the regulator finds a way to stop ordinary people from getting advice by placing high costs on people who do the right thing. If a finfluencer is actually trying to scam someone, it would not be hard to operate outside Australian jurisdiction.

    • From admin on How Finfluencers are teaching millennials and Gen Z about money

      They definitely have a place. People need advice and many are working on it to be more accessible. Watch this space!

  • From Camelia on IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU

    It’s never too late to learn something new and to start all over again. Unless you’re dead, you can do it.

    • From admin on IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU

      So true

Each day I wake up excited to inspire everyday people to open up and take control of their money, regardless of their history, goals, or savings amount. About Vanessa >>

Book

Discover a new way of seeing
life & money.

Download the first 3 chapters for free

Download

Related Articles

Retirement Planning in Australia: Options When You’re Asset Rich, Cash Poor

If you’re nearing retirement with a valuable home but low superannuation, you’re not alone. Discover how to turn your assets into income and create a confident retirement plan that works for you.

Retirement Planning Australia: Turning Savings into a Life Worth Living

Are you struggling to enjoy retirement after decades of saving? Discover why turning savings into a life worth living is just as important as financial security. You deserve to make the most of your healthy years.

Retirement Planning Australia: How to Design a Purposeful Next Chapter

Retirement is more than a finish line, it’s a chance to design a purposeful next chapter. Discover how to plan for both financial security and a fulfilling, connected life after work.

Feeling House Rich But Cash Poor? Financial Planning After 50

If your home’s value has soared but your cash flow is tight, you’re not alone. Discover practical financial planning steps to make your home work for your life, not the other way around.