Overcoming Financial Stress

  If you’re like me, you’ve already started to feel the pressure of the increased expenses that come during the end of the year.  Things like higher utilities, holiday spending, and end of the year tax prep can really put the pressure on your finances.

At the end of last month, I sat down with my wife to look at our balance sheet and to see how we were doing.  It was a little stressful because lately a lot of expenses have been coming up and it’s been keeping us from reaching our financial goals.  I’ll admit, it was stressful thinking about the finances and I let the stress bother me until I started to feel physically stressed the next day.  If you’ve ever let the stress of your finances take a toll on you physically, take a step back and use these tips to help you overcome the stress.

1. Review. Plan. Let Go.

Taking time to review your finances on a monthly basis is a good practice.  Looking over your budget and addressing the items that need to be changed will help you plan for those lurking expenses.  After you’ve made your plan to change spending habits or adjust your budget, then go with it.  Don’t keep mulling over the bills and kicking yourself for past expenses.  Learn from your mistakes and let go of the thoughts that you won’t be able to make it.

2. Get Some Fresh Air.

Take a few minutes to go outside or do something physical.  Taking your mind off of the finances can help you cope with the stress and keep you from worrying yourself sick.  Physical activity has shown to reduce stress, and it’s a good thing to incorporate into your routine anyways!

If you and your spouse are both stressed about the finances, do something together.  Go on a cheap date or zero dollar date (going to a park, free museum, walk downtown) and take the time to simply enjoy a break together.

3. Read The Word.

How quickly we can forget the promises in God’s word.  For me, remembering that I serve a God who provides for all my needs helped me to put things into perspective and gave me a peace about financial situations I couldn’t control.

Here are a few verses that will help remind you that God is in control and that we can go to Him with our stressful finance problems:

Matthew 6:31-32 – Nothing to worry about
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 7: 9-11 – God is the giver of good gifts
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all our needs
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:8 – Abounding in every good work
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

How do you cope with financial stress?  What are some of your favorite verses to remind you that God is in control of all things?