If you always worry about money, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Rising costs, unexpected bills, or loans that don’t appear to be going anywhere soon could make anyone anxious about money. For some, such money issues become daily life protocol – a subconscious burden that is hard to shake.
The truth is, financial issues don’t disappear overnight, but there are ways of regaining a semblance of control. This guide will walk you through small, real-world steps to take, gentle shifts in mindset, and what to do if your issues are related to debt that you can’t address by yourself.
Why money worries can feel overwhelming
It’s normal to be upset if bills aren’t paid or money doesn’t stretch as far as desired. But financial issues more often than not reach further than numbers on a page. You may be:
- Waking up at night anxious about bills
- Avoiding bank statements because you expect bad news
- Guilt about spending money even on small things.
These are normal reactions. What’s important to remember is that recurring money issues don’t necessarily translate to failure. They’re more of a signal that your finances, or how you’re managing them, need attention.
Small mindset shifts that can help
Changing how you think about money won’t solve every problem, but it can make the practical steps feel less daunting.
1. Replace avoidance with awareness
If you usually don’t look at statements or letters, choose one small piece of information to check out today. That could be your bank statement, or what is due on one bill. Knowing where you’re at is the first step to getting in a better place.
2. See progress in small wins
You’ll probably be at a loss if your bills or loans sound mountainous. Focus instead on gradual adjustments, like settling a small invoice, saving £5 this week, or calling your energy company to ask if you happen to be in the right tariff.
3. Separate yourself from the numbers
Being worried about money doesn’t define you. Your situation can change, and support exists to help you get there.
Practical steps to ease money worries
Once you’ve acknowledged the worry, start with manageable actions:
- Make a budget that works for you
List out your income and all of your spending, and your priorities like rent, bills, and food first. Getting a clear sight of these numbers in front of you should then enable you to figure out what priority debt needs fixing now. - Look for areas to adjust
Small changes can add up. Could it be possible to cancel unwanted subscriptions, compare insurance, or schedule dinner times to reduce plate-waste? Small amounts saved can make a significant impact. - Check what help is available
Depending upon your circumstances, you may be entitled to benefits, grants, or council funding. It’s also worth taking a look at the government’s benefit calculators or talking to your local council about schemes such as Discretionary Housing Payments. - Talk it through
Letting someone who trusts you, such as a family member, friend, or professional, that you’re going through this could make you feel less alone. You might also find that there are individuals who’ve been there too.
When money worries are linked to debt
For many people, being anxious about money comes from debts that keep growing, no matter how hard they try to keep up. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people in the UK are in the same position.
If you’re juggling credit cards, loans, or rent arrears, it can feel like there’s no way forward. But there are structured debt solutions designed to help. For example, a Debt Management Plan (DMP) allows you to make reduced monthly payments to creditors, while an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement that may write off part of what you owe after a set period.
Breaking the cycle of constant money worries
If you’ve been worried about money for a long time, it can feel like there’s no end in sight. But taking one step, whether that’s opening a bill, making a call, or writing down your budget, is often enough to start breaking the cycle.
If debts are part of the problem, speaking to a professional adviser can help you understand all the options available. At MoneyPlus, we’ve been helping people manage debt for over 25 years, and we’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
You can explore the different debt solutions we offer, or if you’re unsure where to begin, take a look at the common types of debt we help people manage.
Getting support
If you’re worried about money, remember you don’t have to face it alone. For free and impartial advice, you can also visit MoneyHelper.
Alternatively, speaking to a MoneyPlus adviser is completely confidential and non-judgmental. Together, we can look at your budget and explore solutions that make things more manageable. Contact us today.
