How to Stop Worrying About Money
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How to stop worrying about money?
Worrying is a part of life—no matter how hard we try, it’s something that we’re never going to completely stop doing. Since money is a big part of life, it’s only natural to worry about it at some point – whether it’s how to get it, how to keep it, or how to grow it. But you don’t want it to become an obsession, so here are tips that I’m sure will help you stop worrying about money.
6 ways to stop worrying about money
1. Practice gratitude spending
This is about shifting the focus from what we can’t afford to what we can, and finding joy in the pleasures that are within our reach.
So in other words, instead of fixating on the big-ticket items that may be out of your budget, you can stop worrying about money by finding contentment in the smaller, everyday experiences that bring happiness.
To give you an example, maybe splurging on an expensive designer bag isn’t possible right now. What is possible, though, is periodically indulging in other things that make you smile.
It could be meeting up with a friend at your favorite bakery and catching up, or treating yourself to some other form of self-care after a rough week.
So the next time you make a purchase that brings genuine pleasure – and fits within your budget – take a moment to pause and be grateful. Appreciate the fact that you have the means to treat yourself to it, even though things might not be perfect.
2. Do a financial brain dump
A financial brain dump can also help you stop worrying about money. Sometimes the mind is like a cluttered room, filled with scattered thoughts and worries about money. And when there’s anxiety lurking in there, you might not be able to pinpoint the exact source.
That’s where a financial brain dump comes in – and the best way to describe it is like turning on the light and sorting through the mess.
This is simply taking the time to write down everything that’s swirling around in your head regarding your finances. It’s a chance to unload all those thoughts, fears, and uncertainties onto paper, where you can see them clearly and objectively.
As you start jotting down your thoughts, you might be surprised by what emerges.
Maybe you’re stressed about upcoming bills, anxious about your job security, or worried about saving for retirement. Whatever it is, getting it out of your head and onto paper can be incredibly liberating. And once you have everything laid out in front of you, it’s time to start organizing.
Look for any patterns or themes in your thoughts and then come up with solutions. Brainstorm ideas for how to address each of the issues you’ve identified. Maybe it’s creating a budget to better manage your expenses, exploring new job opportunities or side hustles to increase your income, or seeking advice from a financial advisor.
The beauty of a financial brain dump is that it gives you a roadmap for moving forward. Even if you can’t solve all your financial woes overnight, having a plan in place can provide a sense of hope and direction, and help you realize there’s a way out.
3. Host a financial book club
Hosting a book club isn’t just about reading books – it’s about coming together to learn, grow, and support each other on the path to financial freedom.
Basically, it involves gathering with a group of friends, whether in person or online, to discuss and share insights from books that inspire you to take control of your finances. But the best part of a book club lies in the discussions that follow.
It’s really a chance to dive deeper into the material, share personal experiences, and discuss points from different perspectives. And aside from the books themselves – you can build a community of like-minded people. This is important when you’re trying to manage and stop worrying about money so much.
Many in the group will have the same goals and aspirations, so they can provide support and help you stay accountable and motivated.
4. Invest in experiences over things
When you’re constantly fixated on acquiring more stuff, whether it’s the latest gadgets or trendy fashion items, it can feel like you’re stuck on a never-ending treadmill of consumption. And the pressure to keep up can be especially overwhelming if your income doesn’t quite match up to your desires.
However, when you shift your focus to experiences, something magical happens.
Suddenly, it’s not about keeping pace with trends, but rather exploring new passions that can bring a sense of fulfillment that material possessions can’t match. And here’s the best part: investing in experiences doesn’t have to break the bank.
In fact, some of the most meaningful moments in life are often the simplest and most affordable. Whether it’s picnicking in the park, attending a free community event, or enjoying a cozy movie night at home, there are so many opportunities to create memories without spending a fortune.
By focusing on experiences over things, you avoid the stress that comes with constantly chasing after stuff.
5. Cultivate a growth mindset
A growth mindset is also key to stop worrying about money. This is about shifting your perspective from seeing obstacles as roadblocks to viewing them as stepping stones towards growth.
Think about it this way: instead of getting bogged down by past mistakes or dwelling on what went wrong, a growth mindset encourages you to focus on the lessons learned and how you can apply them to future decisions. So when you encounter a setback, whether it’s overspending on a budget or facing unexpected expenses, take a moment to reflect: What can you learn from this experience? How can you adjust your approach moving forward?
6. Create a financial vision journal
While vision boards are great for visualizing your goals, a vision journal offers a more in-depth and introspective approach to managing your finances.
A journal is where you can deep dive into your relationship with money. You can reflect on your financial goals, both short-term and long-term.
Consider what you want to achieve? And think about your ideal financial future? And once you’ve clarified your goals, you can use your vision journal to document the progress. As you review your progress, you’re then able to celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to keep going.
But your vision journal isn’t only about numbers and figures – it’s also a place to explore the emotional side of money. So take time to also reflect on your feelings about it.
Are there any limiting beliefs or negative attitudes holding you back? You can use your journal to identify these obstacles and brainstorm solutions to overcome them.
Also, don’t forget to express gratitude for your financial wins. Take a moment each day to acknowledge the good in your life, whether it’s a steady income, supportive friends and family, or simply a roof over your head. This helps shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. This can open the door to other possibilities, and in turn help you stop worrying about money.
Here’s a little brain teaser to keep your financial savvy sharp: What has keys but can’t open locks?
Share your answer in the comments ↓↓