How to Handle Financial Stress

 

The answer is always "Make More Money".    The problem is some people get so over come with bills that emotionally, and mentally they shut down.  They become super skeptical, frustrated, and really don't know who to believe or what path they should take.  They are unable to think logically and end up looking for get rich quick methods that by now they should know DON'T EXIST!

I talk about this in detail in my book:

Available at Amazon

The Secret is to read this book BEFORE you need it!  With that said, what can you personally do to make more money within the next 7 days?  Think about it?  Make a list!   The trap people get into is they think $300 isn't going to make a lot of difference right now.  That may be true, but $300 every week can make a huge difference over time.  As the great Art Williams says "All you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is enough".    It comes down to doing all you can do, every day. 

Anyone can make $300 in the next 7 days if they decide to.  Heck you can sell stuff you no longer need on Ebay and do that!  There are many other ways to create extra cash flow.  You have special skills that are marketable!  Think about it.  Whatever skills you have there are peopel who are willing to pay for website design, ad posting, article writing, and the list goes on and on.  I personally spend hundreds of dollars every month on websites like Odesk and Fiverr, to find people that can do task I can't do or don't have time to do.

I guess what I am really trying to do today is just encourage you!   Keep a good attitude and expect something good to happen for you, but while you are waiting on a financial break, do all you can do every day.

Below is a guest article from John Frainee on Reducing Financial Stress, I hope it encourages you.

Financial stress affects your entire life. To compartmentalize financial stress to a tiny corner of your world is nearly impossible. It affects everything: your marriage, your health, your mindset, you name it! So how do you effectively handle financial stress? Here are some steps and tips to reduce – and eventually eliminate – this life-hindering condition.

 

3 Steps to Reduce Financial Stress

 

1. Write down all of your financial responsibilities.

 

A major portion of your stress probably has to do with you keeping all of your financial responsibilities in your head. When you try to remember that you have to pay that bill, call that collection agency, hire that financial advisor, refinance the house, etc., you’re going to feel overwhelmed.

 

Have you ever noticed when you make a list you feel a sense of relief?

 

You can do the same thing with your financial responsibilities. Block out an hour to write them all down! You’ll be surprised at how much you’ve been trying to remember all at the same time.

 

2. Organize and identify the most important tasks and projects.

 

Now that you’ve written down all of your responsibilities, it’s time to organize them into individual tasks and projects. Some items you’re going to be able to complete in 15 minutes or a day. Other items you’ll need several weeks or maybe a few years! With each item on your list, ask yourself if it is a task or a project. Here are two examples:

 

• Cutting up a credit card is a task.
• Getting out of debt is a project.

 

After you’ve organized everything into tasks and projects, it’s time to identify the most important tasks and projects. Remember that sometimes the tasks and projects that are urgent aren’t necessarily the most important. Figure out what you value most and free up some time for those tasks and projects.

 

3. Act with a plan.

 

You now know what is most important. You have everything written down. And, you’ve identified projects that might take you a while to complete. Now what?

 

It is best to take a look at some financial plans that can help you achieve the goals you’ve identified.

 

Bob at ChristianPF has written an excellent Getting Started Course that can help you identity even more goals you can add to your list. You’ll also learn how to get out of debt, better organize and manage your finances, and prepare for your financial future. Best of all, it’s free!

 

Dave Ramsey, a popular Christian financial advisor has a “big picture” plan with his 7 Baby Steps. This too is free!

 

An important part of handling financial stress is acting on your plan. It’s not enough to have the head knowledge, you have to do something about your stress!

 

6 Additional Tips to Reduce Financial Stress

 

As you move through the three steps outlined above, here are some helpful tidbits that can put you on the fast track to financial freedom. These have been a lifesaver for me, and I believe they will be in yours as well.

 

1. Say “No” to new debt.

 

If you have financial stress, a major portion (if not all of it) is probably due to being in debt. The good news is that if you don’t take on more debt, eventually you’ll pay it off – even without a plan! But hey, you and I both know it’s better to have a plan.

 

If credit cards are ruling your life, cut them up. Try a cash back debit card instead. You’ll be spending your own money and earning rewards at the same time.  Don't make the mistake of not investing in programs that can help you make more money.  My friend Dale Calvert has an excellent course that teaches people how to make money now with Ebay and Online Auctions.  I think the investment in the course is about $200, but Dale guarantees you will make that money back within your first 30 days.  This is exactly what some of our clients need, and you can learn more at Online Auction U.

 

2. Eat healthy and exercise!

 

If you don’t have enough energy to work a second job so that you can throw some extra money at your financial goals, it might be because of your lifestyle.

 

What are you putting in your body? Fruits and vegetables or cupcakes and donuts? The fuel you feed yourself matters. Try this: Eat nothing but natural, whole foods for a week and see if you feel better – you might never go back!

 

Exercise is important too. Try for at least three times a week to start and do more if possible. Even just walking or running three times a week will do the trick!

 

These healthy lifestyle choices aren’t easy to make (I’m always trying to improve on this one), but if you do make them, you’ll have more energy to put into your financial plan.

 

Oh, and did I mention eating right and exercising naturally reduces stress?

 

3. Focus on one goal at a time.

 

You can’t clean up your mess in a day. It’s going to take time. So why try to do everything at once?

 

There’s a power to focused intensity, and it will get you to where you want to go faster.

 

4. Make a budget.

 

This is a big one, folks. By learning how to make a great budget, you’ll have a skill that will literally save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Prioritizing where you spend your money is essential so that you can not only survive, but thrive!

 

5. Find unique ways to save money and have fun with it!

 

While working a budget can do wonders, you’re going to have to make some behavioral changes as well to succeed. Sometimes, that means finding unconventional ways to save money. You know, like installing L.E.D. light bulbs, keeping your dryer vent clean, and other interesting ways to save money on electricity – you get the picture!

 

6. Pray. For real this time.

 

You don’t have to make your prayer fancy. You’re talking with God, and he knows what you’re going to say anyway! Have a conversation with your Heavenly Father, and ask him to help you deal with your financial stress! The Lord loves you more than you could ever imagine, and wants to help you in your time of need. Keep it real, and ask God lighten your load!

 

Cast your cares on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22 (NIV)