Money concerns are one of the biggest causes of stress. According to PwC’s 2017 ‘Employee financial wellness survey they found that 53% of employees are stressed about their finances.
Financial Wellbeing covers the complicated subject of our relationship with money. This can be a very sensitive topic for some, it can link to feelings of fear, shame, guilt and can limit us, increasing anxiety and worry considerably.
Managing your money more effectively can offer lots of options to live our lives and follow our ambitions more easily without too much stress.
Tracking your income, expenses and your disposable income (what is left after your day to day expenses are covered) will give you more confidence in your decisions. If your partner/spouse normally looks after the finances, talk through the options and budget with them, so that you both understand your spending.
Research shows that comparing ourselves to friends or peers reduces life satisfaction. Everyone has different priorities and enjoys different things. Some people love to travel and have bigger holidays rather than having a bigger car or house. It is a misconception that income and material possessions define your wealth. That same person could be living month to month to cover expenses rather than accumulating wealth. Wealth is defined by how you grow and save your money to meet your life changing circumstances.
Having a monthly budget is a way of keeping control of your finances and helps you to plan and reduce worry. Controlling your finances via a budget is a good way to compare your income and expenses and work out your disposable income.
Click here for a budgeting calculator.
We also need to remember that regularly practising gratitude for what you do have in your life, stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine (natural antidepressants), giving you a feeling of contentment and wellbeing.
Resources:
CABA (2019). Financial Wellbeing. Available at: https://http://www.caba.org.uk/help-and-guides/information/what-financial-wellbeing
Neyber (2019). Available at: https://wellbeing.neyber.co.uk/financial-toolbox/budgeting
PWC (2018). 2018 Employee Financial Wellness Survey. Available at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/private-company-services/library/financial-well-being-retirement-survey.html
