How to Deal With Financial Stress
A recent survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that almost 90% of Americans were feeling anxious about their money situation.1
39% were worried about job security
48% worried about paying bills
28% didn’t know if they could pay their utilities
41% were worried about not having enough emergency savings
23% were worried about having enough saved for retirement
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent mass layoffs and other hardships, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study revealed that 40% of adults did not have enough cash on hand to cover an unexpected $400 expense.2
Obviously, a home foreclosure or auto repossession can generate a snowball economic effect on a household, but everything from medical expenses to utility bills to parking tickets can coalesce into a high degree of financial distress, causing mental and physical health problems.
If you find yourself in financial stress during this difficult time, there are a couple of ways we can help. First, we understand what you’re going through, so your problems are very real to us. Second, we have access to a variety of different financial vehicles that may help address your unique issues. Please contact us to learn more.
Even in normal situations, financial stress can take its toll on a marriage. A pair of recent studies suggests that partnerships best able to weather financial distress are those in which spouses make a proactive effort to practice “relationship maintenance behaviors,” such as respecting and showing love and affection for each other.3
If you find yourself succumbing to the rigors of financial stress, follow some of the widely touted tips to help — because they work. Better yet, many ways to manage stress are easy and free. For example:4
Get regular exercise, particularly in nature.
Learn and practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
Laugh — watch old movies or TV shows that make you laugh out loud.
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals on a regular basis.
Learn to manage your time effectively, making time for hobbies, interests and down time.
Set limits appropriately and say no to things that cause you stress.
Seek out social support and spend time with people who put you at ease.
Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 Michelle Fox. CNBC. April 16, 2020. “Coronavirus is causing financial stress for nearly 9 in 10 Americans.” https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/coronavirus-is-causing-financial-stress-for-nearly-9-in-10-americans/ar-BB12J4J7?li=BBnbfcN. Accessed April 20, 2020.
2 Knowledge@Wharton. April 9, 2020. “What Contributes Most to Consumer Financial Distress?” https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/what-contributes-most-to-consumer-financial-distress/. Accessed April 20, 2020.
3 University of Arizona. April 21, 2020. “What helps couples weather financial storms.” https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-04/uoa-whc042020.php. Accessed April 20, 2020.
4 WebMD. 2020. “Stress Management Tips.” https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management. Accessed April 20, 2020.
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