15 Self-Care Tips For Anyone Who's Anxious About Money

You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t that going to increase my anxiety?” But if you know what’s in your account, you can make more informed decisions throughout the week. It also beats rolling the dice and checking your finances next month. You don't want any surprises, and staying up to date with what’s in your account will help you stay ahead of the game.

Soft, velvety pillows feel really, really good, right? Well, that’s what an emergency fund is like for money anxiety. It’s nice to know you have funds to lean on if you were to ever lose your job or get hit with a surprise expense.

“Saving, however, can provide you with peace of mind that you can better handle unexpected expenses, adapt to changes in income, or take advantage of new opportunities,” says Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, president of the Charles Schwab Foundation. “The best way to feel better right now might be to put unnecessary purchases on hold and save more.”

Yeah, it’s easier said than done, but putting bills on autopay or setting calendar reminders might help. And if you’re having trouble paying a bill in full, don't be afraid to talk to customer service and set up a payment arrangement. When you put payments toward your bills, you avoid debt, which is good for your mind and wallet (not to mention your credit score).

Talk to someone. Anxiety sucks, but being open about your feelings can relieve stress. When dealing with money issues, you might feel embarrassed or ashamed, so it can be hard to voice your feelings. However, it is imperative to your financial and emotional stability to be able to talk about how you're doing.

“If you are struggling, don’t suffer in silence," says Gerstler. "Talk to a friend, family member, professional — [someone] who can help you out.” Speaking of which, if you're looking for affordable mental health services, check out these lower-cost ways to take care of your mental health.

It sounds expensive, but it actually doesn't have to be — you can make a free appointment with an advisor if you make an account with SoFi, a financial company that offers tons of services, from student loan refinancing to investing. Or if you have a buddy who works in that field, ask if you can pick their brain.

Seeking knowledge can actually help soothe your stress. Plus, educating yourself can make you feel more capable of tackling your problems.

Take preventative measures to avoid money stress altogether. Setting aside some savings in your emergency fund, making steps toward paying down debt, and keeping an eye on your budget can all make a difference — and so can these positive money habits. Just don't wait until you're in extreme debt to start thinking about managing your money.

“Even if your bank account is well stocked, focus on creating more,” says Michele Leno, licensed psychologist and founder of DML Psychological Services.

When it comes to money, ignorance is not bliss. And sometimes, the longer you wait to address a problem, the harder it can be to fix it.

“My recommendation is to lean into that fear,” says Will Steinberger, a certified financial planner, founder and CEO of Think Different. “You have to make sure you understand how dire, or not, your financial situation is. Ignoring it, and not opening those statements, which can feel safer, is actually much more dangerous in the long run, as compared to getting a realistic understanding of the numbers.”