Financial Anxiety: When Money Stress Takes Over

Ever felt like you can’t stop thinking about money? Maybe everything you buy starts to feel like a “sacrifice” until you can’t even enjoy the things you do splurge on. In New York City, where the cost of living is notoriously high, the pressures of financial responsibilities can become an overwhelming burden. As inflation continues, financial anxiety is on the rise. However, there are coping mechanisms that can allow you to free up your mind and energy from constantly being stressed about money. In this blog post, from us here at The Keely Group, we'll explore the roots of financial anxiety, its impact on our lives, and the transformative role that anxiety therapy can play in untangling the complex emotions associated with finances. 

What are the roots of money-related or financial anxiety?

Money-related stress can stem from various sources, particularly in a city like New York. The exorbitant cost of living in the city contributes significantly to financial anxiety, where even a casual dinner with a friend can easily translate into a $100 expense. The pervasive "going out" culture in NYC, while socially enriching, can inadvertently force individuals into spending money every time they socialize. This can add to the overall financial pressure many face. Additionally, the pursuit of self-care, a crucial aspect of maintaining balance, comes with its own price tag. This can also further exacerbate stress.

The concept that enjoyment always comes with a price point becomes ingrained. Influencing spending habits and contributing to anxiety. Intergenerational relationships with finances play a role too. One's upbringing and parental spending habits, especially if raised in poverty, can shape perceptions of money. The desire for more, coupled with the societal tendency to equate wealth with success and inherent value, creates a perpetual cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.

What are some tips to manage money-related stress? 

To effectively manage money-related stress or financial anxiety, implementing a few key tips can make a huge difference. 

• Budget: Begin by creating a detailed budget breakdown. Use tools like Excel sheets for clarity and organization. Understand your income thoroughly, subtracting essential bills and prioritizing costs to gain a comprehensive overview. Explore various budgeting tools or platforms to identify what works best for your financial management style. 
  

• Plan ahead: Take the time to plan thoughtfully. Also knowing exactly how much you make, can ease the anxiety associated with financial uncertainties. 
  

• Confidence is key: Empower yourself by feeling in control of your finances. Actively make decisions rather than passively letting things happen to you. 
  

• Avoid the pitfalls of comparison: Everyone's financial journey is unique. Focus on your own progress, this ensures a healthier mindset towards money. 

Embracing these tips can foster a sense of financial stability. It also helps alleviate the stress often associated with managing personal finances. 

What If I’m struggling with student debt? 

Most likely, some of you reading this are currently struggling with student debt, or have dealt with it in the past. If so, you are not alone: at the end of 2023, 43.2 million Americans had federal student loans. However, the experience of struggling to manage a student loan payment on top of everything can be a very isolating experience. Even if you are doing well financially, the knowledge of that payment coming in every month is a unique source of stress. Rather than attempting to tackle the entirety of the debt in one go, it is advisable to create a plan that aligns with your financial capacity. Integrate your student debt into your monthly budget. Assign a specific portion to repayment and ensure it becomes a non-negotiable expense. When you find yourself with a little extra income, consider allocating it towards debt repayment to expedite the process.

Acknowledge that student debt is a persistent companion. Also, emphasize the importance of taking a step back and completely understanding your overall financial landscape. Since financial literacy is often absent from formal education, actively seek ways to enhance your understanding. Whether through hiring an accountant, exploring educational YouTube channels, or seeking guidance from a mentor. Confront your student debt head-on. Refuse to shy away from the challenge, and gradually work towards a financially secure future.

How can a therapist help me manage financial anxiety? 

Anxiety therapists offer invaluable support in navigating money-related stress. They do so by helping you break free from spirals of anxiety, and fostering clarity and focus. Providing a fresh perspective, therapists encourage a balanced approach to financial challenges. Moreover, therapy serves as a safe space to unpack one's complex relationship with finances. Allowing you to explore influences from your upbringing, whether you grew up rich or poor. Therapists help dissect and challenge internalized messaging. This helps cultivate a healthier mindset, especially for those who grew up with immigrant parents who may have differing cultural attitudes toward money. In a shorter format, an anxiety therapist empowers individuals to confront, understand, and overcome money-related stressors. This fosters resilience and clarity in their financial journey.

Working with a therapist can help

Financial anxiety is rarely just about money—it's often tied to deeper patterns around security, control, and self-worth. Therapy can help you understand what's underneath the stress and develop a different relationship with it.

If this resonates, request a consultation with The Keely Group, or learn more about our work with anxiety and stress.