5 Strategies to Worry Less About Money

Last Updated on September 12, 2020 by Shane Corbitt

Money makes the world go around. Cash is king. Money talks. All the quippy sayings about money can be compiled into one room, but money will still be a significant cause of worry for many people and many relationships. It doesn’t have to be that way though. You can own (pun intended) your money and make it something that gives you reassurance, not worries.

1. Educate Yourself

From blogs to best-sellers, there is information galore about money—how to save it, how to spend it, and how to do both. Start doing your homework and find a plan that aligns with your goals and values. Take time to explore these different “plans” and try one or two on for size until you find one that fits with your lifestyle.

2. Know Your Expenses

Before you can determine the best money plan, you need to know your bills. This doesn’t include your eating out or your makeup buying habit. This is your mortgage/rent, utilities, vehicle payments, debt, etc. Write it all down on a piece of paper along with how much money you’re bringing in every month.

3. Know Where Your Money is Going

For a few weeks or a month, write down where your money is going. Eating out, shopping/groceries, and entertainment—everything goes on the list. This is where you log all the money that is not paying a bill (number 2 on this list).

4. Make a Budget

With all this information in mind, you can start making a budget. Budgets are not written in stone. They are living documents that will change over time and should reflect your overall goals and values as a consumer and human being. Note that you do not need a fancy app to make a budget, a pencil and paper will do the trick. Use whatever is most comfortable for you, so you will stick to it.

5. Start Saving

Along with your new budget, you should start saving money. Not to sound like your grandma, but saving will afford you much more time because you won’t be worrying as much. With savings comes the reassurance that you can pay all your bills, are prepared for an emergency, and can have extra money to spend on things that you want to do.

Worrying about money is not something you can simply put on the backburner. Money does make the world go around. But, if you plan, save, and generally make an effort to care about where your money goes, you will not have to worry about having those worries anymore.