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Curb finance related stress this year

Curb finance related stress this year

For the fifth year in a row, Australians have rated financial issues as the top cause of stress according to Australian Psychological Society’s recent Stress and Wellbeing survey. Anxiety symptoms in 2015 were the highest they have been in five years with an alarming 35 per cent reporting a significant level of stress in their life. With so much uncertainty across a number of industries and the cost of living rising rapidly, it is no wonder financial related stress is so prominent.

Financial challenges can occur at many times during our lives – getting married or separated, buying or selling a home, illness, reduced work hours or redundancy. An alarming rate of people is experiencing financial stress and unfortunately this is something that’s only set to increase. Credit card debt exceeded $51 billion in February this year showing how much people are relying on short term financial solutions. Understanding financial concepts can be confusing but getting your finances in order will help reduce stress and get you back on track.

The New Year is often a new beginning for some and presents the perfect opportunity to review your financial situation and make any necessary changes to help recognise and reduce stress. Here are some tips on reducing finance related stress;

  1. Learn to budget

    If your financial situation is causing you stress, it’s vital to create a budget. Record all income and expenditure and know exactly what you spend on non-essential items. Be critical of what you are spending and cut down on any unessential items if possible.

  2. Pay off debt

    Review and consolidate loans to help get them under control. Pay off your credit card debt and remember to start with the credit card with the highest interest rate.

  3. Review fees

    It’s important to review your bank and bank products as your life circumstances change. Compare and contrast bank fees and ensure you have the best products for your individual situation. Your bank manager can help talk you through the best options.

  4. Save for a rainy day

    Having an emergency or ‘rainy day’ fund can help alleviate financial stress knowing you have something in reserve. Start putting money away every month – even if it’s just a small amount, it all adds up.

  5. De-stress

    It’s normal to feel worried or anxious when times are hard but consider the impact financial stress is having on your life. Take time to relax and de-stress. Taking the right steps towards getting your finances in control will help ease stress. If you have been looking at taking steps to improve your financial knowledge there are numerous expert financial advisers to provide guidance and advice.

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by your financial situation, remember you are not alone. Financial coaching can help you understand and manage money by teaching you financial skills that last a lifetime. AccessEAP’s financial coaches will assist you in creating a personalised action plan to manage your debt and provide practical information on your options and rights. AccessEAP provides confidential guidance and support to expertly and respectfully guide you back to financial control.

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Newport & Wildman acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of the lands we live and work on throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community as we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who connect with this website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have since passed away.

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Newport & Wildman acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land we work on and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples using this content are advised that it may contain images, names or voices of people who have passed away.