The Stress and Money Cycle

Are you feeling stressed right now? Many people are. There’s a laundry list of concerns right now that contribute to feelings of stress.
• The economy
• The unemployment rate
• Housing foreclosures
• Added responsibilities at work
• Fear of losing your job
• Difficulty finding a new job

All of these concerns and many more are making this a particularly trying time for lots of folks. One common response to these feelings is to do something nice for ourselves. This is a wonderful reaction; unless it spirals into a vicious cycle of spending unbudgeted money that leads to more debt which leads to more stress.

There is a good way to break or avoid that cycle altogether: include money in your budget to treat yourself. It might mean trimming elsewhere, but it can help you to manage your anxiety without adding additional burdens or concerns.

During these difficult times it’s important to discover and pursue what feeds your soul. For some people it’s a trip to the movies, for others it’s a relaxing massage, or some really lucky people feel renewed by taking a quiet walk outdoors (that one doesn’t even require budget maneuvers!) Just remember, it is so much more rejuvenating when you spend budgeted money on yourself guilt-free.