Financial stress is a very real problem for the vast majority of people. Over 60% of people are dealing with financial related stress or have dealt with it at some point in their lives. 

And like any other stress a person deals with, financial stress can cause a variety of health problems like insomnia and depression, maybe even headaches and nausea. Which can completely exhaust you and make things even harder.

One wrong decision and you can end up in debt, late on bills, just struggling to make it on a day by day basis. Even though lower to middle-class individuals probably deal with it better, any class of person or business can carry the burden of financial stress. 

Here we have broken down an efficient and easy-to-follow plan to help get you on the right track or to avoid this stress altogether. So you can lead a more productive and happier life.

Break it Down and Make a Plan

Being organized is key. Like with most things in life, it is good to have a plan and a goal.

So to start, you need to make a list of all your financial debts and bills. Also, write down your monthly income and any other money you may bring in. Just break down the numbers. 

It may be scary and sickening to see it all on paper, but it is the first big step to narrowing those numbers down. After you’ve written it all out, figure out which financial issues are most important. Which ones take priority? Which can be paid off quickest?

Even if you can’t pay a large amount towards something, sometimes paying a little bit here and there makes a big difference. It at least shows you are taking responsibility and trying to get something done about it, even if it takes a bit longer to do so.

Keep an eye on where all your money is going. Budgeting and sticking to the plan is the primary solution to all financial woes. Sometimes this alone can lower the financial stress you may be having.

Avoid Unnecessary Spending and Temptation

This is another very important step. After you have budgeted your finances and decided on your goals, you need to stick to them. If you have a hard time saying no to luxury items or fast food, then avoid going to those kinds of places.

Don’t get online to “window shop” because the temptation could lead you to make an unnecessary purchase, which will hurt your financial goals.

If you want to hang out with friends or do something with the family, there are many free and fun options to consider. Get creative and ask around for any free or cheap events coming to your area. Having fun without spending money will definitely limit the financial stress you may be experiencing.

Seek out Help

Sometimes, even when we have it budgeted to a tee, even when we have cut out all unnecessary spending and have mastered the avoidance of temptation, we still struggle. 

Maybe you just aren’t making enough to cover it all and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t catch up. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to the best of us sometimes. Reach out and ask for help. 

You could call your bank or any of your other debtors and set up a payment plan. Be sure to explain your situation, they may have other options for you as well.

If you are lucky, you may have a family member or close friend who can lend you some money or who could help pay a bill or two to get you ahead.

If not, there are always other methods of finding help. If you simply need a better paying job, there are state-run organizations that can help you find a new one. They can even help you find affordable schooling if you think that would help. 

Not to mention the government ran aides that help with providing food and child care for your family. Which can also eliminate a few more expenses to help you get on top of things.

Then there are also the many communities and religious community centers that can help provide people with financial help, furniture, food, and medical needs in their time of financial need.

Breathe

It is understandable that finances and the stress of staying on top of them can be a hard thing to deal with. It can be mentally and physically exhausting. 

But with time and the right plan you can tackle it and come out of it in one piece. If you are having a hard time breaking everything down yourself, maybe you are just bad with numbers or planning. 

There are even companies and people that can help you with that. There are also a variety of apps that can make it easier as well.

You don’t have to suffer and stress over something like money. It is a horrible feeling to have to live paycheck by paycheck. Make some changes and free yourself from the harsh punishment that is financial stress.