5 Ways to Alleviate Financial Stress
Feeling the weight of financial stress? You're not alone. Many of us have moments when our finances feel overwhelming and it can be tough to cope with the stress. The holiday season is just around the corner, and while it’s a magical time for families, it can also be one of the most financially stressful.
Between gift shopping, holiday meals, and the endless requests for classroom donations or festive activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
I’ve been there—wondering how to make it all work while keeping a smile on my face. But like most people, stress is not something I want to deal with long-term. There will always be finances to manage, so it's best to figure out a way to alleviate financial stress so that you're not worried about money all the time. While this can be easier said than done sometimes, I wanted to share some practical and effective ways to help you identify the source of your financial stress so you can ease your burden.
1. Check In With Your Budget
Even if it’s been a while (or you’ve been avoiding it), sit down with your budget. Part of your financial stress can stem from the fact that you may not fully know what's going on with your spending. Are you tracking your income and expenses? If you've fallen behind, set a time on the calendar to play catch up and get clear on your current financial situation.
Look for small areas to cut back temporarily. Cancel that unused subscription or shift to eating out one less time per week—it all adds up!
2. Create a Holiday Spending Plan
Map out exactly how much you can spend on gifts, food, and activities. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just knowing your boundaries makes a huge difference. Stick to cash or prepaid cards to avoid the temptation of overspending on credit.
Also, set realistic expectations with your family (especially your kids) and help them prioritize the items on their gift list this year. My son is a teen now, so it's easy to set expectations and discuss our options around the holidays. We recently sat down together and shopped for a new TV as I plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals. He asked me what our price range was and we read reviews for different TVs in order to narrow down the final choice together.
Even when my son was younger, I made it clear that I didn't have an unlimited supply of money, but we had enough to prioritize some items for the holidays and enjoy time together as a family. In order to communicate this though and avoid financial stress, I needed a clear a holiday spending plan first.
3. Find Ways to Earn Extra Income
Your financial stress may stem from the fact that you are managing your money wisely and following a budget but there's still not enough money coming in. This is where it could help to find a way to earn some extra money. If you have time, consider delivering groceries, tutoring, freelancing, or seasonal holiday work. Quick wins like selling handmade goods or decluttering your home can also bring in cash.
You can also declutter and sell items from your home to earn extra cash. Clear out the toys, clothes, and other items your family no longer uses, and sell them online or at a consignment shop. It’s a great way to make space for the holidays and boost your budget.
4. Set Boundaries and Prioritize What's Urgent
Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to say "no." Politely decline invitations or extras that stretch your finances too far. You can still create meaningful memories and enjoy your life without saying yes to every expense or opportunity.
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If you feel like there's too much going on - whether the kids are in too many activities or you have too many monthly subscriptions - prioritize slowing down your life and your finances so you can lower your stress levels. With less to pay for and do, you're less likely to worry about finances.
Only prioritize what's urgent and limit this to a few things. This may include an essential bill that's coming up next week or your goal to save $50 per paycheck.
5. Talk About It
Money stress doesn’t have to be a solo burden. As people, we're not meant to hold everything in and carry the load on our own. Share what you’re feeling with a trusted friend, family member, or even a financial coach or therapist. Sometimes, just hearing another perspective or getting advice can shift your mindset and open new possibilities.
Remember: Financial stress is temporary. Taking even small steps toward better money management today can lead to big relief tomorrow. You've got this!
P.S. Which of these tips resonates most with you? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you!
About Me
I have a passion for personal finance and have been rewriting my money story over the years as someone who started out as a single mom with a low income. In just a few short years, I've been able to pay off $50,000+ of debt, increase my income, pay for my wedding (to my husband in 2016) in cash, and build a thriving online freelance business.
Bi-weekly, I'll share tips, ideas, and strategies to help busy moms become more financially savvy so you can pay off debt, save more, and meet goals for your finances and your life. To make sure you don't miss a newsletter if you haven't subscribed yet, just click the "Subscribe" button in the upper right corner above.
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