Are you a success serial killer?

Financial stress…

we all experience it at some point or another. 

No matter how much money you have; financial stress can be experienced at any time and no matter what your net worth.

With rising inflation, changes to technology, continued need for businesses to pivot; financial stress is now part of the daily life menu for most.

Whilst I could sit here and argue that it isn’t true because there are so many more opportunities to make money than ever before; the reality for most indicates otherwise. 

And when financial stress ensues, it affects many areas of life. Your:

• Mental space and ability to think clearly are impaired;

• Lack of patience for life and everything in between is at an all time high;

• Energy is significantly diminished and you don’t feel like participating in much;

• Clarity on thoughts and focus is affected;

• Health takes a beating (even if you have your rituals in place. Eg your thyroid will take a hit which may mean you will lose or put on weight);

And so much more. 

I have seen many individuals, me included, deal with stress in varying ways. What I have found is that the way stress is dealt with is based on personality, upbringing, emotional resilience, courage and tenacity. The majority of the population can not handle stress and are too ashamed to ask for support when experiencing it. 

This is one of the saddest things about our society; the fact that shame and guilt still rule our world and so asking for help is looked down upon. Why do we make it so hard for ourselves?!

Here are my 5 tips to reducing and eliminating your financial stress:

1. Understand your financial capacity:

• Do you know how much you make per week / month (after tax)? 

• How much does it cost you to live per week / month? 

• How much debt do you have and how much is it costing you per week/month?

• Is your debt bringing in any cashflow / money? If so, how much?

These seem like very basic questions, however they are key to getting you to a financially free position.  

1. Have a cash buffer 

This is probably something you feel is impossible right now given your situation, I get it. 

Having at least 3-6 months to support you and your family in case of an unplanned event, will give you so much mental space. 

Whilst it may not feel like you have any capacity right now to begin this, please know that even $5 every week or month is a start to getting there. It is the habit of building this buffer that is more important than the amount. 

1. Create a routine that allows you to exert and move through your energy and emotions.

This was my absolute god send when I experienced financial stress. 

I would go for a 10km walk every morning and evening (absolutely free!). 

It was my way to be amongst nature, release all the negative thoughts in my mind and allow the endorphins to flow through my body. 

An absolute game changer in my opinion.

Find what feels right for you and give it a go; you will see how much better you feel in your mind and body. 

1. Turn to trusted advisors and / or your inner circle

You can not get out of this alone. 

Having people you trust around you to support you emotionally and mentally will be critical in your recovery and allowing you to find solutions to your current problem. 

They may not be able to help financially (which I highly do not recommend), but having people to bounce ideas with, free of judgement, is worth more than you can imagine. 

1. Reduce any, or all, your debts

Anything that is adding to or causing the stress needs to be removed in whatever way you can; even if it means you will realise a loss.

The power in making decisions will move things in ways you can not even predict, until you make the decisions. 

This will be imperative to you getting your head above water again. Yes it may pain you to sell your favourite car and it may be frustrating to downsize your home. The choice is ultimately yours. 

I know feeling free from stress was a priority for me and one that I didn’t take lightly. 

I know that right now, things may be feeling very heavy and you may not be able to see the light. 

I can tell you that when you empower yourself to make decisions towards a different outcome, life will change right before your very eyes. You will look back on this time and realise that it made you and allowed you to traverse some really intense things that have made you who you are today.

I know, because I have been there.

And I am living proof that “finding the light” and being on the “other side”, is possible. 

You’ve got this!

Coco x