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Of the many sources of stress in peoples’ lives, the subject of money has topped the list as one of the leading causes of stress for decades, and has resurfaced significantly over the last few years. However, during the same period, the number of self-made millionaires is also increasing at a rate never before seen in history. What are the secrets to reducing financial stress and achieving financial freedom? While there may not be one simple solution to eliminating financial stress from your life, gaining clarity about your money and taking proactive measures will help you to regain control. As the subject of finances is vast, these are just a few tips to get you started in the right direction:
Keep it in perspective
Your money beliefs lead to your money habits. Take some time to examine your money beliefs and where they are rooted. Look for patterns over the course of your life. Did your parents or someone else influence your money beliefs (i.e., saying that “money doesn’t grow on trees”), or your money habits (i.e., buying unnecessary items using credit cards)? Become very aware of your underlying money beliefs and how they are affecting your current financial picture.
Don’t keep it all in your head
Have you ever thought about how making more money would resolve all of your financial woes, only to find that when you do make more money, you continue to experience the same financial stress? Many people loosely track their finances and they are unaware of all of the “money leaks” that they are creating. Gaining control of your finances is a way to greatly reduce your level of financial stress. Know what your financial picture is and have it written down. This is just like the mall directory map, which has the large arrow that says, “You Are Here”. Know where you are and where you want to go. Keep a log of the money flowing in and out, preferably on a daily basis, but at least weekly.
Create a workable plan
The act of worrying is equivalent to sitting in the driver’s seat of a sports car and revving up the engine, but never shifting out of neutral. It is an extreme waste of time and energy, and much more importantly, it is a major contributor to stress. Instead of focusing on what might happen, take some time to think about what financial obligations are coming up in both the near and distant future and how you can begin to take action now.  Be creative here! Do you have a skill that you could capitalize on? Do you have something in your garage that you are no longer using that you can sell? Are you able to pitch a new deal at your office? Spend some time brainstorming and let your imagination run wild!
You’re not in this alone
Discussing your personal finances at a party would be about as welcome as a bull in a china shop. Let’s just face it – most people would rather talk about their sex lives then discuss their money situation. However, this could be partly to blame for their financial woes. Gaining another perspective on your financial situation can be very valuable in helping you to change your financial habits. The way you behave with money affects every aspect of your life, so it deserves its due attention. Seek emotional support from a respected family member (one who is much better off financially than yourself), or a financial coach/mentor who can help you to reset your financial thermostat. Always remember that whatever your situation, you can discover what is holding you back and create a shift in your money mindset! ~ Tanya Mundo
Those two words together, “financial peace”, might seem like an oxymoron to many, but there are, in fact, ways to achieve such a state. I refer to financial peace as a “state”, because the word, “state”, can be defined as “a particular condition of mind or feeling”. I have found through my experience in working with hundreds of individuals and families that people generally tend to feel abundant and joyful about money, or they feel anxious or worried about it. The good news is that there are practical things that you can do to begin to change your financial state, and thus begin to experience the much coveted financial peace.
What is your attitude about money? There are many in the world believe and teach that money is the route of all evil. I have never believed that but there were times in my life that my thoughts about money were based on a scarcity mindset. What I know now to be true is having a conscious intention and good attitude about money is part of the universal flow of energy. Catherine Ponder ardently writes: “There’s nothing wrong with money or in our wanting money. It is a God-given medium of exchange, and there’s nothing evil about that.”  In order to see financial growth in your life it is important to let go of those limiting beliefs and empower yourself with a prosperous building mindset. Yehuda Berg, True Prosperity postulates:  “When you are the cause in your life and not the effect, you escape the trap of routine thinking. You realize that everyone and everything counts. You recognize that there are no accidents or coincidences; everything has a reason, because everything is connected.”
Wow, what a week it has been in the financial sector! It is certainly easy to get nervous, worry and panic about our investments and financial stability in these uncertain times. But will worry and panic really create anything positive? Â I have chosen not to get locked into the panic and frenzy. Â I know what is going on, but listening to the news over and over again seems to paralyze me from tuning in to what is best for me and my family and even for my health for that matter.
