138: 5 Tips to Overcome Financial Stress

Learn how to overcome financial stress, why finances can affect your health, what kind of stress money can cause, and how to overcome health issues related to money.

According to the American Psychological Association, 73% of respondents cited money as a significant source of stress in their lives…and for people coping with existing health problems financial and interpersonal stress can exacerbate their conditions.

It can lead to ulcers, migraines, back pain, anxiety, depression, heart atttacks, lost sleep, marital issues…

Three out of 4 Americans are in debt according to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances.

If you're in debt, tackle it head on. There are many things that are within your control like:

a) Talk to the credit card company and asking for a lower interest rate. Many companies will try to accommodate you if you've lost your job or have health issues in the family, for example.

b) Talk to a debt consolidation company. Companies can consolidate your debt into one payment and it usually does NOT hurt your credit. Credit is only impacted negatively if you write off a debt.

c) Talk to a Financial Planner and see if they can help you reorganize some accounts and get you back on track. You may be able to take money from a Roth IRA for children's college, etc.

d) Sell something that will generate cash. Sell a painting, jewelry, sports equipment, an RV or motorcycle to get cash and pay off debt. If you have to pay to insure it, that's even better!

e). Get a side hustle. Become an Uber driver, work for TaskRabbit, rent out a room on AirBnB or get a part time job using your talents as a fixer upper, painter or window washer.

Here are 5 tips to overcome financial stress:

1. Your stress is caused by how much you worry, not how much you owe so try to worry less by trying to meditate. Meditation can clear your mind and reduce your heart beat. It clears your thoughts and gives your brain a rest.

2. See what really relaxes you. Watching TV might be what you think relaxes you, but it might not. You might actually feel more relaxed by walking, being in nature, gardening, going to the beach, hiking, etc.

3. Exercise. You don't have to go to the gym, you can play music and dance, do lunges across the room, work with hand weights, walk the dog, ride your bike, etc. Be creative about your exercise. Think like a child. Yes, you can go to the gym but you don't have to.

4. Cut out unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking too much, which can leave your brain feeling foggy.

5. Journal your frustration. Get it out of your head and onto paper. It's a confidential way to scream and yell and get your anger out.