Constantly worrying about money can take over your thoughts. You might find yourself replaying past spending, checking your bank balance multiple times a day, or feeling anxious even after paying the bills. These repetitive financial thoughts can feel overwhelming and tiring.
Although intrusive, repetitive thoughts are a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it’s important to make a clear distinction between OCD and general financial worry. OCD is a serious mental health condition that requires medical support, while money worries are often a response to real-life pressures.
This guide will help you understand why people obsess over money, what OCD actually is, and what practical steps can help if your financial thoughts feel out of control.
Why people obsess over money
Worrying about finances is extremely common, especially with the cost of living rising. Some reasons include:
- Fear of not having enough to cover rent, bills, or food.
- Debt pressure, where minimum repayments leave little breathing space.
- Uncertainty about income, such as zero-hour contracts or freelance work.
- Past experiences of hardship, which can leave lasting anxieties.
- Expectations and responsibility, like supporting a family or paying for childcare.
What is OCD?
OCD is a mental health condition that can include the following symptoms:
- Obsessions – intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images or urges that cause distress.
- Compulsions – repetitive behaviours or mental acts carried out to reduce the anxiety from those obsessions, such as repeatedly checking doors are locked.
If repetitive financial thoughts are accompanied by intrusive obsessions and compulsive behaviours that interfere with your daily life, it may be a sign of financial OCD and professional help is important.
Getting help for OCD and other mental health conditions is nothing to be ashamed of. There are treatment options available, such as therapy and medication, which can help reduce the impact of OCD on your everyday life.
Practical ways to manage repetitive financial thoughts
If you’re caught in a cycle of money worries, these small steps can help you regain balance:
1. Limit account checking
Set a specific time once a day (or even once every few days) to check your accounts, instead of logging in repeatedly.
2. Create a clear budget
Uncertainty fuels worry. A simple budget that lists income, bills, and spending money can provide reassurance. You can start by using our disposable income calculator to work out how much money you have left after expenses each month.
3. Divide your money
Consider three categories: essentials (rent, utilities, food), commitments (debts, subscriptions), and extras (entertainment). Knowing what’s safe to spend makes decisions easier.
4. Set ‘money-free’ time
Choose one or two times each week to review finances. Outside of that, give yourself permission to step back.
5. Share your worries
Talking to a trusted person, or a mental health professional, can bring perspective and reduce feelings of being alone with the problem.
When financial worries are linked to debt
Sometimes obsessing over money can come from a deeper issue: struggling to keep up with debt. If you’re borrowing to cover essentials or regularly falling behind on payments, structured support could help.
There are a number of formal and informal debt solutions that can help you manage your debt, such as Debt Management Plans (DMPs) and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs).
Shifting your mindset around money
Beyond budgeting, reframing how you think about money can help reduce repetitive thoughts:
- Celebrate progress, even small wins like checking your accounts less often.
- Accept ‘good enough’ budgeting – you don’t need to track every penny perfectly.
- Remember money is a tool, not a measure of your worth.
- Acknowledge uncertainty – no one can predict every expense, and that’s okay.
When to seek professional help
If intrusive money-related thoughts are constant, distressing, and you feel driven to carry out repetitive behaviours, it may be a sign of OCD. This is a mental health condition that requires professional assessment and treatment.
You can:
- Speak to your GP for advice and referral.
- Self-refer to NHS talking therapies in many areas.
- Access support from charities such as OCD Action and OCD UK.
Moving forward
It’s normal to worry about money, especially when costs are high. But when financial thoughts become repetitive and intrusive, it’s a sign you may need extra support.
For impartial guidance and free debt advice, you can visit MoneyHelper.
At MoneyPlus, we offer confidential, non-judgmental advice tailored to your circumstances. If you have debt, we can help you explore practical solutions. Contact us today to speak to an adviser about the right next steps for you.
